Solar power milestone at Liverpool

Peel Ports Group and E.ON has completed the initial grid connection of nearly 7,000 solar panels installed on the 260,000 sq ft Alexandra Dock warehouse, known as Alex Shed, forming part of a long-term strategy to expand port solar power and cut emissions.

“Generating the first power from this landmark solar project is a major milestone for the Port of Liverpool and for Peel Ports Group as a whole. By transforming our warehouse rooftops into clean energy assets, we’re taking practical, large-scale action to decarbonise a critical national gateway which enables regional trade and economic growth,” said Lewis McIntyre, managing director, port services at Peel Ports Group.

“We are proud to be an industry leader in decarbonising port operations, having recently reported a 48% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse emissions across the group, in just five years.”

Port resilience

This milestone represents the first phase of a wider rollout that will ultimately see up to 48,000 panels installed across multiple port buildings to support renewable energy generation and more resilient port operations.

Vijay Tank, chief operating officer of E.ON Energy Solutions, said: “The Port of Liverpool is a critical national infrastructure site, and decarbonising places like this is essential for the UK’s environmental and economic targets. The first grid connection of this major solar project is a big leap towards creating a clean energy system fit for the future.”

The project is being delivered under a 25-year agreement between Peel Ports Group and E.ON and is expected to reduce CO2e emissions by around 4,700 tonnes annually, equivalent to removing more than 1,600 cars from the road.

It will play a central role in supporting Peel Ports Group’s target to reach net zero emissions by 2040.

Once fully completed, the solar installation is expected to deliver up to 25MW of electricity, meeting around 25% of the port’s annual energy demand and contributing to a goal of sourcing 50% of energy from renewable energy by 2030.

The full array is being financed and delivered by E.ON, with local contractors employed for installation and maintenance and all works completed within the existing port footprint to minimise community impact.