Renewable energy specialist Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has started construction on Cleve Hill, a new solar plus battery storage project based in Kent, UK.
The 373MW solar plus 150MW battery storage project is due to be completed by the end of 2024 and is set to be the largest such project in the UK.
Work on the development began in May 2020 following approval from the UK Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy.
The farm is expected to generate enough clean electricity to power 100,000 UK households, while reducing annual carbon emissions by a total of 164,450 tonnes.
During its construction and operational phases, Quinbrook says the project will support more than 2,300 direct and indirect jobs and generate £148m in local socio-economic benefits.
In July 2022, Quinbrook secured a 15-year contract for difference to support the project’s financing.
The company said this was the largest contract awarded for a UK solar project as part of the government’s flagship auction scheme, which is expected to lower power prices and boost energy security in the country.
Quinbrook will now choose its preferred lenders and finalise debt funding for the project.
More on solar:
- Swiss researchers develop solar reactor that produces renewable hydrogen, oxygen, heat
- Atrato Onsite Energy acquires 50MW solar project in north Yorkshire
- Sarcos robot successfully installs solar panels
‘The next generation’
Quinbrook co-founder and managing partner Rory Quinlan said: “High energy prices, geopolitical instability, and the UK’s ambitious net-zero goals are bringing into focus the critical need to accelerate the building of the next generation of energy transition infrastructure in the UK.
“In our view, large-scale solar and battery storage projects are key to achieving the decarbonisation imperatives of the energy transition the world over, and we are doing our best to create a blueprint for more projects to come here in the UK.
“Just as importantly, we are committed to doing this in a way that is truly impactful in supporting jobs and delivering a range of tangible benefits to the local community.”
Read next: Northern Ireland’s electricity network set for £3bn overhaul
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