Eon has been selected to install the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar energy system.
The project will see as many as 63,000 solar panels installed at the Port of Liverpool, with a generating capacity of up to 31MW.
It is the first stage of a 25-year agreement between Eon and Peel Ports Group.
It is expected to generate up to 25% of the port’s annual electricity needs.
More than 6,000 solar panels have already been delivered to the port ready to be installed on the new 22,300m2 Alexandra Dock warehouse which is nearing completion.
The project is being financed and delivered by Eon with installation of the solar panels due to be completed by mid-2026
The second stage of the agreement will replace the five existing wind turbines at the port with four new, larger turbines generating close to 20MW. It is expected this phase could begin in 2027/28 following planning consent and consultation with the local community.
This will bring Peel Ports Group within reach of its ambition of powering the Port of Liverpool entirely by renewable energy generated on site.
Claudio Veritiero, Peel Ports Group chief executive, said: “Ports of the future need to become more sustainable environments and we must play our part in a greener supply chain.
“There is still work to do, but this project is a huge step for Peel Ports Group in cutting emissions and driving our ambition to become a net-zero port operator by 2040.”
Chris Norbury, Eon UK chief executive, said: “The Port of Liverpool is a critical piece of infrastructure for the UK and decarbonising sites like this will be vital for the UK to achieve its environmental goals. Simply put, we all need to move faster on reducing emissions and this huge project will be a massive step in the right direction.
“We’ve been the energy supplier for Peel Ports Group for more than 20 years and I’m proud they’re putting their trust in us and our relationship so far to create what will be a clean energy system fit for decades to come. Our sustainable solutions help businesses with their environmental ambitions and will be crucial if we are to meet the UK’s 2050 net zero targets.”
Planning applications for the massive sustainable energy project have been lodged with Sefton Council and with Liverpool City Council.
The number of households and businesses installing rooftop solar panels reached its highest level in 12 years in 2023, with almost 190,000 installations carried out.