Archive: first published 2023-08-07. This recovered report describes events at that time and has not been updated to reflect subsequent developments.
SSE Renewables, the renewable energy subsidiary of SSE, has broken ground on its first solar power project in Worcestershire. The solar plant, known as Littleton Pastures, will have a total capacity of 31MW and is expected to start operating in 2024. Once operational, it is projected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 9,400 homes.
Spanish developer Grupotec has been appointed as the civil contractor for the project. This marks SSE Renewables' third solar and battery project under construction, in addition to the ones underway in Salisbury and Ferrybridge.
The construction of Littleton Pastures solar farm, spanning across a 77-acre site, is part of SSE's ongoing commitment to investing in low-carbon technologies. SSE Renewables recently revealed plans to invest up to £40 billion in low carbon technology by 2031/32, with a fully-funded £18 billion five-year investment plan until 2027. The company aims to contribute to the UK's energy security and net-zero targets by connecting more renewable power to the grid.
Richard Cave-Bigley, Director of Solar and Battery at SSE Renewables, expressed enthusiasm for moving into the construction phase and working alongside partners Grupotec. He emphasized the importance of expanding renewable power sources to achieve the UK's net-zero goals and hinted at future solar and battery projects across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.
The Littleton Pastures solar project is being carried out by SSE's Solar and Battery team, which joined SSE Renewables in May 2023 to advance the delivery of a nearly 2GW project pipeline in the UK and Ireland, as well as to expand into Europe. The team consists of 100 professionals and will contribute to SSE Renewables' ambitious net-zero objectives.
The commencement of construction on the Littleton Pastures solar farm aligns with the UK government's energy security strategy, which includes targets to increase solar power capacity fourfold to 70GW by 2035. SSE Renewables is committed to furthering its green energy portfolio by investing in various low-carbon infrastructure assets, including wind, hydro, and solar projects.
Original archive: Energy People.
