DPPA Framework (supplier Funded On Site Renewables)
Framework Description
Network Rail's DPPA Framework for supplier-funded on-site renewables will appoint five suppliers to deliver on-site or near-site renewable generation through power purchase agreements, supporting its target to move all non-traction electricity to renewables by 2030. It is technology-agnostic, covering solar PV, wind, storage and emerging technologies, with an estimated value of £220 million. The eight-year framework is planned from 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2035.
Context & Use Case
Network Rail, Great British Railways, DfT Operator and their affiliates will use it for rooftop, car park canopy and ground-mount schemes and for high-consumption sites with nearby land. Call-offs are mini-competitions for single sites or portfolios, each a contract of up to 25 years, and the highest-scoring supplier receives an initial award of up to five sites.
Scope of Services
Rooftop installations Car park solar canopies Ground-mount systems Wind, storage and emerging renewable technologies Call-off contracts of up to 25 years under power purchase agreements
Lots
See framework link
Who Can Apply
Suits renewable energy developers and investors able to fund, build and operate on-site generation over long contract terms. Requests to participate closed on 6 May 2026 and up to ten suppliers will be invited to tender, so firms that did not apply cannot join this framework; partnering with a bidder is the remaining route.
Buyer Benefits
Supplier-funded renewables let Network Rail cut carbon and energy costs without capital outlay. Five appointed suppliers give competition for each site, and long-term agreements give price certainty. The technology-agnostic approach also lets each site use the best-suited generation, and appointing only five suppliers means each one has a realistic prospect of a pipeline of sites.
Next Steps
Shortlisted suppliers should work through the tender on Network Rail's Bravo e-sourcing portal, where commercial criteria carry 50% of the weighting, ahead of an award decision estimated for 12 January 2027. Others should approach shortlisted bidders about funding or delivery partnerships, and build evidence of funded on-site renewables and power purchase agreement management for future rail energy opportunities.
How Athena Can Help
With only five places and contracts lasting up to 25 years, every tender response matters. Athena's major bid management builds the response with win themes on funding, delivery and long-term operation, and models pricing over the agreement term so your tariff is competitive and still funds the assets.
Our strategic bid advice helps partners decide how to structure a team, and our framework tender support finds other energy and decarbonisation frameworks that are open now or due to open.
