Siemens Mobility has installed 1,700 solar panels across its Goole Rail Village in East Yorkshire to reduce carbon emissions.

The newly activated panels generate up to 1MW of clean energy, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of over 150 homes.

This investment aligns with Siemens Mobility’s strategy to lower its environmental impact through green energy generation, sustainable heating solutions, and low-carbon transport initiatives. The company has committed to achieving net zero operational emissions at the Goole site by 2030, reinforcing its role in decarbonising the rail industry.

The solar array, valued at 2 million GBP, spans nearly 20,000 square metres across three key manufacturing buildings, providing the majority of the site’s energy needs. Excess energy generated during non-production hours is fed back into the grid, while any additional electricity required is sourced exclusively from renewables.

In addition to solar power, Siemens Mobility has implemented further sustainability measures at Goole, including more than 40 air source heat pumps to provide heating across production facilities. This initiative is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 980 tonnes per year, equating to an 88 percent decrease.

The company is also transitioning to a fully electric vehicle fleet, with around 70 EV charging stations planned for installation at the site. Employees are encouraged to adopt low-carbon travel methods such as cycling, car sharing, or public transport. Siemens Mobility has also played a key role in launching the Goole + Howden Hopper bus service, which enhances local connectivity and provides a sustainable commuting option.

David Harris, Siemens Mobility Construction Project Manager said:

Our carbon reduction strategy for the Goole Rail Village has been implemented over a number of years.

We’ve considered how best to minimise our carbon footprint at every stage, including throughout the development and construction phases. With the rail manufacturing facility now operational, we’re seeing the full benefits of building sustainability into the project from day one.

The Goole Rail Village, which represents a 240 million GBP investment, serves as a centre of excellence for rail technology in the UK. It houses manufacturing, component assembly, logistics, innovation, and office functions, with a focus on sustainable operations.

A key project currently underway at the facility is the assembly of the new Piccadilly line trains for Transport for London. Siemens Mobility also plans to manufacture future mainline trains at Goole, including battery bi-mode trains, which could deliver substantial cost savings and emissions reductions across Britain’s rail network.

Goole Rail Village aerial view

© Siemens Mobility

The next phase of development at the site includes a Bogie Assembly and Service Centre, representing an additional investment of up to 40 million GBP. This expansion is expected to generate around 1,000 jobs, along with 1,700 supply chain opportunities, further strengthening the region’s economic growth.

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