Croydon’s Therapia Lane tram shed has become Transport for London’s first depot to remove fossil gas usage, with the installation of one of the largest roof-top solar energy farms in the capital.
Solar-powered depot: Therapia Lane is the nerve centre of the tram network
The sustainable transformation of the depot has seen a major upgrade to its heating and power system, improving energy efficiency, and saving money.
The works do not directly affect how the tram network is powered, as that continues to rely on mainstream power sources. But the operations in and around the depot and its buildings are no much more eco-friendly.
The depot has undergone its biggest overhaul since it opened 27 years ago, with more than 300 solar panels installed on the roof to generate 187kWp of clean energy on-site, reducing reliance on grid electricity and cutting carbon emissions.
The heating system has been modernised with a range of low-carbon, electric heat pumps and infrared panel heaters, replacing the old gas boilers.
New systems: as part of the overhaul, the tram shed has a new heating and modern hot water systems
Savings will come from energy efficiency measures such as improved insulation and LED lighting, which TfL hopes will also create a better, brighter and more comfortable working environment for staff. The measures are expected to cut carbon emissions by around 183 tonnes of CO2 annually, “delivering long-term sustainability benefits alongside operational cost savings”, TfL said today.
“Work at Therapia Lane, carried out in a live operating environment working around the clock, will also help inform efforts to decarbonise other active operational buildings on TfL’s estate, as well as depots across the country.”
The heating system upgrade has enhanced hot water delivery through the installation of energy-efficient, on-demand electric heaters. The additional electricity consumption from the new heating system will be offset by using the 1,800m² of solar panels on the roof of the depot.
Mete Coban, the deputy mayor for environment and energy, said: “It’s fantastic news that Therapia Lane depot has become TfL’s first depot to remove fossil fuel gas usage by upgrading its heating system and installing hundreds of new solar panels.
“This green transition will help improve energy efficiency and save money, showing that sites like this have an important role in reducing the impacts of climate change.”
The project was part-funded by the government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme as well as the Public Sector Low Carbon Skills Fund. Major upgrades including air and water source heat pumps, LED lighting and smart sensor technology to adjust ventilation, cooling and heating levels are being introduced at TfL’s head office Palestra House, with plans for similar schemes for other offices above stations like Aldgate, Baker Street, Oxford Circus and Victoria.
Roof-top revolution: the solar panels on the roof at Therapia Lane make it one of the biggest of its kind in London
Martin McCluskey, the minister for energy consumers, said of the Therapia Lane upgrades: “This project shows how clean power is benefiting communities across Britain – creating skilled jobs and strengthening our public services with the potential to create savings that can be invested into improving services for passengers.
“Facilities like Therapia Lane will play a vital part in our clean energy transition.”
There was no immediate comment provided by Jason Perry, the Mayor of Croydon, although he is expected to make remarks claiming all the credit for the Therapia Lane works at some point in the coming days.
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Far more of our public buildings should have solar panels, better insulation, and more efficient heating. This would not only make them nicer places to be, it also saves money and reduces further damage to our environment.