Inazin Power Ltd, a leading developer of large renewable energy projects in the UK, announced the successful development and management of the build and connection of a further 73 MW of large scale solar parks.
Working in conjunction with its funding partner, Low Carbon, and the EPC contractors, Goldbeck and Grupotec, the seven sites situated in Cornwall, Wiltshire, Pembrokeshire and Suffolk were successfully commissioned and built in time ahead of the Renewable Obligation (RO) step-down deadline on 31 March 2014.
The parks comprise over 300,000 photovoltaic solar panels producing over 70,000 MWh (Megawatt hours) per year which equates to sufficient energy to power more than 21,000 homes, while offsetting over 30,000 tonnes of carbon.
This construction programme includes the first investments to be announced under the collaboration agreement Low Carbon has in place with Macquarie Capital which, over the next two years, will provide the finance to build and commission a total of up to 300MW of solar parks in the UK.
Inazin CEO David Sandilands said of the announcement: "Following our successful build programmes under the 2011 Feed-in Tariff and the 2 ROC regime a year ago, we are delighted to have maintained our 100% record by connecting and energising all 73MW before the recent ROC deadline. The construction and commissioning of these sites in such a short timeframe and under exceptionally poor weather conditions was a tremendous achievement – showing real commitment from all of our development partners, expertly supervised by our outstanding project management team. We have deservedly enhanced our reputation for successfully delivering high–quality, large scale solar projects on schedule, meeting the expectations of investment partners, landowners and other stakeholders. Looking ahead, we have a strong pipeline of new projects and the funding in place to deliver further growth in the coming year and beyond."
The most recent site to reach completion was the the 21MW site at Lackford, Suffolk which commenced construction in January 2014 and was commissioned by 31 March 2014.
Landowner Robert Gough commented: "Like many landowners I was new to solar and a little unsure what to expect from the development experience. Inazin have kept me well informed throughout the process and adeptly handled a number of challenges, including the protection of habitat for Stone Curlews. All of these matters were dealt with proficiently and I am now delighted to have an operational solar park that will make a significant contribution to the generation of clean energy for many years to come."
Further remarking on the project agent for the landowner, Ed Blundy of Brown & Co. said: "The funding for the construction of this site covering some 90 acres was in place immediately the project cleared the planning process in late December 2013. The speed, efficiency and professionalism shown by completing such a large, high quality project in such a short space of time, under such difficult weather conditions, was highly impressive. I look forward to working with Inazin on future projects."
