The renovation of Blackfriars Bridge, part of Blackfriars Station in London (United Kingdom) has been completed, and included the installation of 4400 photovoltaic panels. This has transformed Blackfriars Bridge into the world's largest 'solar bridge', and is expected to cut the station's carbon emissions by over 550 tons per year.
The solar array will generate some 900 000 kWh of electricity each year, representing more than half of the station's total energy use. Additionally, the renovation of the station aimed to increase train capacity on one of Europe's most frequently used stretches of railway. This was achieved with a new entrance on the south bank of the Thames, four new platforms, and an upgraded Underground station.
The installation of the photovoltaic panels was a highly complex process, as it involved building on a 19th century bridge over an operational railway as well as the river. Simon Kirby, managing director of Network Rail Infrastructure Projects, said, "The transformation of Blackfriars Stations is typical of how we are enhancing one of Europe's busiest rail routes using smart, sustainable technology."
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