Low Carbon brings c. 240 MW of solar capacity into operations in the UK over the last year

The new capacity underscores Low Carbon’s efforts to bolster the UK’s energy security and tackle climate change by delivering homegrown, clean power to the grid

Leading renewable energy company, Low Carbon, has successfully brought nearly 240 MW of large-scale solar capacity into operations in the UK over the last year as it continues its growth as an Independent Power Producer (IPP).

In the last twelve months, Low Carbon has advanced a series of large‑scale solar projects into operations across Warwickshire, Essex and Shropshire. The projects include Feldon Vale (49.9 MW), which reached COD most recently, Maldon Wycke (25 MW), Layer (49.9 MW), Birch (39 MW), Long Meadow (19 MW), Braintree (35 MW) and Pepperhill (21 MW).

Combined, the seven projects produce enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of more than 64,000 UK homes each year, while also helping to avoid almost 70,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

The announcement follows Low Carbon’s notable success in the government’s AR7 Contracts for Difference (CfD) auction, where the company secured nearly 130 MW of capacity. It brings the total capacity secured for renewable projects in recent CfD auctions by Low Carbon to more than 1 GW.

Roy Bedlow, Founder and Chief Executive of Low Carbon, commented:

“This large-scale solar capacity will help to bolster the UK’s energy security and support key government targets for renewables deployment.

“As recent events have shown, it is only by scaling renewables, battery storage and building out a more resilient grid that we will minimise our exposure to fossil fuel price shocks and in the process create a cleaner, more affordable energy system that is fully within our control.”

Last year, Low Carbon secured investment worth around £1.1 billion from CVC DIF and several leading international banks to support the company’s aims to build out a large portfolio of operational utility-scale solar, onshore wind, and battery storage projects in the UK and Europe over the coming years.