Ameresco, Inc., a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, and Sunel Group, an international developer and EPC contractor for energy projects, in collaboration with Sonnedix, a global renewable energy producer, today began construction of a portfolio of multiple solar PV parks across the UK.
The new solar PV portfolio consists of five ground-mounted solar PV parks throughout England that will generate approximately 300,000 MWh of renewable electricity per year. The parks include Cowley Complex (120MW); Gonerby Solar (59 MW); Winkburn Solar Farm (50.5 MW); Gammaton Solar Farm (30 MW); and Lawns Solar Farm (23.5 MW). Once construction is completed, the combined solar parks will produce enough clean energy to power 85,000 UK homes and avoid 58,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually.
“We are thrilled to partner and collaborate with Sunel and Sonnedix to deliver positive clean energy results that will benefit so many individuals across the UK,” said Britta MacIntosh, Ameresco’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, West/Europe. “Solar energy solutions are a critical part of the clean energy transition, and we are so happy to work with partners who feel just as passionately about tackling decarbonisation goals.”
Sonnedix, who acquired the solar assets in December 2022, is the owner of the portfolio and Ameresco Sunel Energy Ltd will serve as the energy build partners. This project contract was awarded to Sonnedix in September 2023 under the UK government’s Contracts for Difference (CfD) allocation round, which enables a fixed price for electricity through 15-year contracts with the Low Carbon Contracts Company.
“It’s a pleasure to work closely again with Ameresco on Sonnedix’s portfolio of solar parks,” said Konstantinos Zygouras, Sunel’s CEO. “Projects like this reignite our passion and dedication to our mission, which is rooted in providing world-class renewable energy projects that support the local communities we serve while making significant improvements that benefit the environment.”
“We could not be more excited about beginning construction on these monumental solar projects, which will significantly enhance the UK’s overall supply of clean energy and energy security,” said Axel Thiemann, Sonnedix’s CEO. “Tackling decarbonisation is not a one-person job; it requires action and effort among many groups, and we are delighted to work with Ameresco and Sunel, who we know have a track record of successful clean energy projects. Once completed, we feel confident that our solar portfolio will help the UK reach its target of reaching Net Zero by 2050.”
Construction on the solar portfolio is expected to reach completion by early 2025.