Peel Ports brings E.ON on board in net-zero push

This is the first stage of a 25-year agreement between the two companies which could see as many as 63,000 solar panels – the same as 18 football pitches – installed on 26 buildings across the port.

“This important project will revolutionise the Port of Liverpool’s energy system,” said Claudio Veritiero, chief executive, Peel Ports Group.

“Ports of the future need to become more sustainable environments and we must play our part in a greener supply chain.”

The solar array is expected to be the largest of its kind in the UK, generating up to 31MW of renewable electricity, enough to meet a quarter of the port’s annual needs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 6,500 tonnes each year.

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 and is due to complete by mid-2026.

The second stage of the deal 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 as early as 2027/28 following planning consent and consultation with the local community.

“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,” said Chris Norbury, E.ON UK chief executive.

“We all need to move faster on reducing emissions and this huge project will be a massive step in the right direction.”