DIRFT (Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal) is one of the UK's strategic rail freight hubs, combining rail-served distribution warehouses with road-served logistics estate. Operators include Tesco DIRFT NDC, Royal Mail DIRFT distribution, Sainsbury's DIRFT, Eddie Stobart, and major 3PL hubs. Modern DIRFT buildings support 1-3 MW PV installations.
Local context — DIRFT
DIRFT distribution centres benefit from rail-freight modal shift sustainability narrative — combining solar PV with rail-freight already-low-carbon supply chain creates a compelling Scope 2+3 reduction story. DIRFT's 250,000-700,000 sqft buildings have substantial flat-roof areas suitable for 1-3 MW PV installs. The site has good Western Power Distribution G99 capacity.
Modelled scenario — DIRFT
Illustrative worked example — modelled from this site's indicative bands, not a real project.
A 2.1 MW solar PV install on a 450,000 sqft DIRFT distribution centre operated by Tesco for primary distribution. First-year generation 1.94 GWh. Self-consumption 81%. Annual savings £405,000. Simple payback 5.0 years; 25-year IRR 22%. Combined with rail freight modal share, the install delivered headline Scope 1+2+3 reduction story for the retailer's annual report.
Common questions — distribution centres in DIRFT
Does DIRFT's rail-freight integration affect solar PV?
No — solar PV is entirely separate from rail freight infrastructure. The rail siding doesn't interfere with rooftop PV mounting. Combined solar + rail freight produces strong Scope 1+2+3 reduction story for ESG reporting.