Australia’s Quinbrook Launches UK’s Largest Solar Farm, Cleve Hill

Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, an investor in renewable energy and storage based in Australia, has announced that its Cleve Hill Solar Park, the largest of its kind in the UK, has officially commenced commercial operations.

Located in Kent, in the southern part of England, the Cleve Hill solar park boasts over 550,000 solar panels and is projected to generate clean electricity sufficient to power approximately 102,000 homes. This project is being celebrated as a significant milestone for various reasons.

Unprecedented Scale and Innovation

Cleve Hill is four times larger than the next biggest operational solar project in the UK and includes a 150 MW co-located battery energy storage system (BESS), making it the largest solar plus storage project ever built in the UK power sector.

This solar park was also the first to receive consent as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) from the UK government and secured the inaugural solar contract for difference (CfD) from the Low Carbon Contracts Company, which is backed by the UK Government.

Record Financing and Community Impact

Quinbrook has achieved the largest financing for a solar and battery storage project in the UK, announcing in March that it raised £238.5 million (approximately $A485 million at that time) for the Cleve Hill Solar Park. This funding comprised a £218.5 million term loan and a £20 million VAT facility, facilitated by Lloyds and NatWest.

Keith Gains, managing director and UK regional leader for Quinbrook, remarked, “Cleve Hill sets a new benchmark for large-scale solar projects aimed at decarbonising the UK power system. It illustrates how investment in the necessary infrastructure for a clean energy transition can benefit local communities and generate new employment opportunities.” He further noted that reaching commercial operations marks a significant technical, construction, and financial accomplishment for all involved.

Overcoming Challenges

Construction of Cleve Hill began in early 2023 after receiving development consent in May 2020, despite attempts by the local council to overturn the government’s approval. Swale Borough Council was initially more successful in its efforts to block the construction of the 150 MW battery at the site.

However, a planning inspector appointed by the UK’s secretary of state later determined that the local authority’s decision was unreasonable, allowing the development and construction of the battery to proceed.

Gains added, “The UK’s ongoing commitment to advancing its energy transition and decarbonising the economy reflects a strong national resolve towards a renewable energy future, supported by a substantial pipeline of large-scale infrastructure projects that will foster growth, create jobs, and provide more affordable energy for UK households.”