Asset manager Downing has been selected by Yorkshire Water to develop, design, build and operate 28 solar sites on the water company’s land across Yorkshire.
The solar project, an investment worth around £25 million, will result in a total capacity of approximately 21MW.
Daniel Oxley, Yorkshire Water commercial programme manager, said: “This project is a significant step in reaching our aims of carbon net zero by 2030. Due to changes in the treatment process at our sites over recent years, many have been left with surplus operational land which can be used for the generation of renewable energy.
“These have been identified and will become home to new solar panel arrays. Once completed, the first deployment of solar panels will generate 4% of our annual power needs, increasing our renewable energy use, reducing our exposure to energy price volatility and reducing the operational costs of our sites, which will provide better value for money for our customers.”
Downing partnered with net zero consultancy, Ikigai, which acted as a strategic adviser and behind the meter co-development partner throughout the tender process, which began in 2020.