Siemens Mobility Powers Ahead with Solar Energy at Goole Rail Village

Siemens Mobility has taken a major step towards its net zero ambitions at Goole Rail Village, switching on 1,700 solar panels that will significantly reduce the site’s carbon footprint. The panels, now fully operational, generate up to 1MW of clean energy, equivalent to the power needed for more than 150 homes.

This investment is part of Siemens Mobility’s £240 million commitment to Goole, reinforcing the town’s position as a leading centre for rail innovation and manufacturing in the UK. The Goole Rail Village, designed as a low-carbon site, is home to manufacturing, components, logistics, innovation, and office facilities, making it a key contributor to the region’s economic growth.

The solar panels are just one element of a broader sustainability strategy at Goole Rail Village. Siemens Mobility has also invested £2 million in air source heat pumps to heat production facilities, cutting carbon emissions by 980 tonnes annually—an 88% reduction. Additionally, the company is electrifying its vehicle fleet, rolling out up to 70 EV chargers, and encouraging sustainable travel through initiatives like the Goole + Howden Hopper bus service.

Finbarr Dowling, Siemens Mobility’s Director of Localisation, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability:

“Our vision from the outset was for the Goole Rail Village to be net zero in operations by 2030. With green energy generation, clean heating, and sustainable transport policies, we’re ensuring every aspect of the site minimizes its carbon impact. This is not just about Siemens Mobility—it’s about supporting the wider rail industry in its journey towards decarbonisation.”

Beyond its environmental impact, Siemens Mobility’s Goole Rail Village is a major boost to the local economy, bringing up to 1,000 new jobs and creating 1,700 supply chain opportunities. The site is already assembling the new Piccadilly line trains for Transport for London (TfL), set to enter service later this year. The company also plans to build all future mainline trains for the UK at Goole, including battery bi-mode trains, which could save Britain’s railways £3.5 billion and 12 million tonnes of CO2 over 35 years.

David Harris, Siemens Mobility’s Construction Project Manager, highlighted the long-term vision:

“We’ve integrated sustainability into every phase of this project, from construction to operation. Now that the facility is up and running, we’re seeing the full benefits of investing in green infrastructure from day one.”

With the addition of a £40 million Bogie Assembly and Service Centre, Siemens Mobility’s total investment in Goole is set to reach £240 million, further cementing the town’s role as a key hub for rail manufacturing and innovation.

As Siemens Mobility continues its journey towards net zero, Goole Rail Village stands as a shining example of sustainable rail technology and economic investment. This project not only strengthens East Yorkshire’s status as a leader in rail innovation but also aligns with the UK’s broader goals for a low-carbon transport future.

For more information on Siemens Mobility’s Goole Rail Village, visit www.siemens.co.uk/goole.

Local business reduces its carbon footprint with support from Invest East Yorkshire

A Driffield-based business has significantly reduced its carbon footprint after accessing grant funding of £20,000 with help from Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services team.

Shields (Driffield) Ltd. is a family-owned mechanical engineering and bulk processing company based on the Kelleythorpe Industrial Estate. Operating mainly in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, it was first established in 1984 and has grown significantly over the years. Forty years on from its launch, the company employs a team of more than 50 people and works with customers across the UK.

Shields first worked with Invest East Yorkshire’s Business Support Services Team more than ten years ago and, since then, has benefited from the advice, support and knowledge of its team of advisors on several occasions, helping to further fuel its growth and development.

Most recently, the company worked with Business Advisor Chris Moore to access a £20,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. This enabled Shields to achieve its goal of drastically reducing its carbon footprint by investing in a large solar panel installation project at its headquarters in Driffield.

Chris explained: “Following a review of the business and a discussion about its growth plans, we arranged for Shields to have an independent energy assessment by a specialist company that we appointed. This was fully funded and highlighted a number of energy saving measures they could take as part of their commitment to becoming more environmentally sustainable.” 

Chris helped the Shields team to submit a successful application for grant funding to cover part of the cost of installing solar panels.  Now in place, they will help reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 20 tonnes per year, as well as helping to reduce its overheads by providing huge energy cost savings. The solar panels will also provide other environmental benefits for Shields, such as providing green energy to power its fleet of electric cars. However, this is only the first phase of the company’s mission to reduce its CO2 emissions and overheads; it also has plans to switch plant, vans and other cars from diesel to electric.

Carey Kelly, a Director at Shields, said: “As a company, we have enjoyed a long and positive relationship with the Invest East Yorkshire Business Support Services team. As the business has grown and our plans have changed, we have worked closely with them, not just in relation to financial assistance but also for ongoing advice and guidance. We are very appreciative of this support and look forward to this relationship continuing as we grow as a business and create more skilled jobs for Driffield and the surrounding area.”

Part of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Invest East Yorkshire offers a comprehensive range of support services to local businesses, delivered by helpful and knowledgeable advisors, who offer a free diagnostic process to help businesses identify the most appropriate support and development opportunities for them. This holistic approach includes one-to-one advice, workshops, networking opportunities and access to a wealth of resources and referrals.

For more information, go to: www.investeastyorkshire.co.uk/business-support/