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Peel Ports plans UK’s largest solar roof for Liverpool

[ March 18, 2024   //   ]

Peel Ports Group and its partner E.ON are to install the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar energy system at the Port of Liverpool, alongside a future project to repower existing wind turbines on the banks of the River Mersey with fewer, larger turbines.

The scheme will help the port operator meet its goal of net–zero emissions by 2040 and is the first stage of a 25-year agreement between the two companies that could see as many as 63,000 solar panels – the same area as 18 football pitches – installed on 26 buildings across Port of Liverpool.

The panels could generate up to 31MW of renewable electricity, the same amount of power as the yearly needs of more than 10,000 average UK homes and reducing CO2e emissionsfrom the site by more than 6,500 tonnes each year.

 The project will be wholly contained within the existing footprint of the Port, using existing roof space and bringing all equipment and technology directly to the port by sea, removing any impact on local roads. More than 6,000 solar panels have already been delivered to the Port ready to be installed on the new 240,000 square foot Alexandra Dock warehouse which is nearing completion.

 The project is being financed and delivered by E.ON with installation of the solar panels  underway and due to be completed by mid-2026. E.ON has committed to using local contractors where possible and will also be looking to work with local companies for the ongoing upkeep during the 25-year period.

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, bringing Peel Ports Group within reach of its ambition of powering the Port of Liverpool entirely by renewable energy generated on site, including at night and over winter when the solar panels are not producing as much energy.

Peel Ports Group chief executive Claudio Veritiero 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.”

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