Ports operator Peel Group is partnering with its power supplier E.ON to install what they expect to be Britain’s biggest roof-mounted solar PV system.
The pair intend generating up to 31MWp from 63,000 solar panels – covering the area of 18 football pitches – now being installed on 26 buildings of the Port of Liverpool.
The combined arrays are expected to amount to the nation’s biggest at rooftop level. Together they will generate up to 25% of the port’s electricity needs, equalling that of 10,000 UK homes. Carbon emissions from the site will drop by 6,500 tonnes each year, the equivalent of taking 2,250 cars off the road.
Construction now under way is to due to finish by summer 2026. The pair are committed to engaging local contractors wherever possible.
More than 6,000 panels have already been delivered, ready to be installed on the new 240,000 sq ft Alexandra Dock warehouse, itself nearing completion. All materials will be brought to the site by sea, minimising impact on local roads.
Financed and delivered by E.ON, the port’s massive solar investment is the first stage of a 25-year agreement will help Peel Ports Group reach its goal of Net Zero emissions by 2040.
Bringing closer the operator’s ambition to run Liverpool docks solely on renewables, a second project will be to replace five onshore wind turbines existing with four larger ones, lifting their generation close to 20MW.
Subject to local consultations and planning consent, work could begin as early as 2027.
Peel Ports CEO Claudio Veritiero said: “We’re proud to be embarking on this long-term partnership with E.ON and to be undertaking this important project together, revolutionising the Port of Liverpool’s energy system.
“Ports of the future need to become more sustainable environments and we must play our part in a greener supply chain.”
E.ON UK head Chris Norbury said: “The Port of Liverpool is a critical piece of infrastructure for the UK and decarbonising sites like this will be vital for the UK to achieve its environmental goals.
“Simply put, we all need to move faster on reducing emissions and this huge project will be a massive step in the right direction. We’ve been the energy supplier for Peel Ports Group for more than 20 years and I’m proud they’re putting their trust in us.
Planning applications have been lodged with Sefton and Liverpool City Councils.
Peel Ports has put more than £1 billion of its own money over the last ten years into sustainable infrastructure, with a focus on reducing the emissions associated with its operations.
Specialists involved in the project include EMTEC, FES, Absolute Solar and Cogeo as planning co-ordinators.
The port of Hull, owned by Peel’s rival Associated British Ports, currently houses Britain’s biggest rooftop PV array. Installer Custom Solar completed the 6.5MW project in 2020.
