The project is expected to cut carbon emissions by 142,000t in its first year of operations.
Recognized as the first solar and battery project designated as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), Cleve Hill secured the largest allocation for a solar project in the UK’s Round 4 Contract for Difference auctions. Approved in May 2020, construction started in 2023 with private energy partners, supported by a £218.5 million ($299 million) loan and a £20 million ($27 million) VAT facility from Lloyds and NatWest.
A 150MW battery storage system is under construction, making Cleve Hill the UK’s largest co-located solar and storage project. Keith Gains, Quinbrook’s UK managing director, stated: “Cleve Hill sets a new benchmark for large-scale solar projects to help decarbonise the UK power system and demonstrates how investing in the infrastructure needed to transition the UK to clean energy can support local communities and create new jobs.”
The project is expected to cut 142,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in its first year, support 2,500 jobs, and contribute £114 million in local economic benefits. A power purchase agreement with Tesco has been signed. Rory Quinlan, Quinbrook’s co-founder, said: “Quinbrook is proud to further enhance our track record of successfully delivering milestone infrastructure projects that create such a meaningful and positive impact for the UK’s energy transition.”
