Construction of a 49.9MW solar PV asset in South Gloucestershire being developed by Cero Generation and Enso Energy is to begin, having achieved financial close.
Debt financing was provided by Rabobank, which was arranged by Macquarie Capital. Construction will be carried out by Gransolar Group and the operational phase will be led by Ingeteam, while Cero will play an ongoing role providing construction management services.
The project – named Larks Green Solar Farm – is the first in the 1GW pipeline being developed by the two companies to reach financial close and move into construction. This pipeline was originally to be developed by a joint venture between Enso and Macquarie’s Green Investment Group (GIG), before GIG launched Cero and consolidated its existing and future European solar activities into the new developer.
“By combining Cero’s specialist expertise with Enso’s track record in project development, we’re delivering market-leading projects that are critical to the UK’s net zero future and we look forward to celebrating this milestone with many more assets in the future,” said Martina Flanagan, UK development director, Cero .
Larks Green Solar Farm – which received planning permission in January – will also deliver a biodiversity net gain, achieved through the provision of a range of resources for local wildlife including additional woodland planting. This woodland will provide shelter and food for a range of notable and protected species, the companies said.