Sonnedix has started construction of Cowley Complex, the largest solar power plant in its 300 MW UK portfolio.
The 120MW ground-mounted solar PV installation – which will become one of the largest PV installations in Britain when completed in 2025 – will create over 100 local green jobs.
Located in County Durham, the Cowley Complex will consist of three connected sites of 60 MW, 43 MW and 17 MW.
Sonnedix stated that once operational, it will supply approximately 124,600 MWh of renewable electricity annually, enough to power 35,000 UK homes and avoid almost 48,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Cowley Complex is being built by EPC contractor Ameresco Sunel Energy and will play a role in realizing the global renewable energy producer’s ambition to lead the UK’s transition to renewables.
In 2022, Sonnedix expanded its presence in the UK with the acquisition of a strong solar PV portfolio of five 300 MW projects developed by Lightsource bp.
Axel Thiemann, CEO of Sonnedix, said: “With construction underway on the largest factory in our UK portfolio, we have reached an important milestone in our UK growth strategy. We are excited to grow our market presence and become a key player in helping the UK transition to a clean, safe and sustainable energy system and achieve its decarbonisation targets.”
The project is the first to use the €500 million loan facility obtained by Sonnedix in December 2023, which will be used to finance projects in Europe, specifically Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom. The multi-currency loan will allow the company to cluster, contract and build its development pipeline of renewable power plants more efficiently and flexibly.
The entire UK portfolio is 100% contracted under the UK government’s Contracts for Difference (CfD) programme, which provides long-term price and revenue certainty. The CfD scheme will come into effect in 2026 after construction of Cowley Complex is completed.
Jorge Amiano Goyarrola, global head of engineering and construction, said: “We are extremely excited to be breaking ground on the Cowley site. With a capacity of 120 MW, this is an important infrastructure project for the local area, creating more than 100 green jobs during construction and the safe supply of green, affordable energy once operational.
“We are very proud to be working on what, once completed, will be one of the largest solar PV installations in the whole of Britain.”
