Wedoany.com Report-Jul. 6, The Cleve Hill Solar Park, a 373 MW facility in the United Kingdom, has completed construction and commenced commercial operations, marking it as the country’s largest solar plant to date. Developed by Quinbrook, the project can now export its full capacity to the grid, surpassing the output of the next largest operational UK solar project by over four times.

The 373 MW Cleve Hill Solar Park project is the largest UK PV plant to date.

Located in the UK, Cleve Hill is notable for being the first solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) project approved through the UK government’s Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project process in 2020. While the 150 MW/300 MWh BESS component remains under construction, the solar plant is fully operational.

In 2022, Cleve Hill secured the largest solar project award in the fourth round of the UK’s Contracts for Difference scheme. In fall 2024, Quinbrook signed a landmark power purchase agreement (PPA) with Tesco, a major supermarket retailer, for 65% of the site’s capacity. Additionally, a 10-year agreement with Shell Energy Europe Limited was established to manage the remaining 35% of the capacity under the Contracts for Difference framework.

The project’s financing includes a £218.5 million ($299.8 million) term loan and a £20 million VAT facility from Lloyds and NatWest, making it the largest solar and storage project financing in the UK to date. Initially developed by Wirsol and Hive Energy, Quinbrook acquired the project in 2021, with construction beginning in early 2023.

Keith Gains, managing director and UK regional leader for Quinbrook, stated: “Cleve Hill reaching commercial operations is a major technical, construction and financial achievement for our teams, our partners and investors.”

The Cleve Hill Solar Park supports the UK’s clean energy goals by enhancing renewable energy supply without impacting trade dynamics. The project’s completion strengthens local energy infrastructure and promotes sustainable energy adoption, contributing to regional economic and environmental objectives.