The country’s largest roof-mounted solar energy system is being installed at the Port of Liverpool, as it embarks on its net zero ambitions by 2040
The port said up to 63,000 solar panels – taking up the same space as 18 football pitches – will be fixed on 26 buildings, alongside a project to repower the existing wind turbines on the banks of the River Mersey with fewer, larger turbines.
It also said the panels could generate up to 31MW of renewable electricity and provide the same amount of power as the yearly needs of more than 10,000 average UK homes.
The exact number of panels will be confirmed in the final designs but the solar array is expected to be the largest of its kind in the UK and will generate up to 25% of the port’s annual electricity needs.
The project will be wholly contained within the existing footprint of the port, minimising disruption within the local area.
All equipment will be brought to the port by sea, removing any impact on the roads.
Liverpool port added that more than 6,000 panels have already been delivered and are ready to be installed on the 240,0000sq ft Alexandra Dock warehouse, which is almost completed.
The project is being financed and delivered by E.ON with installation due to be completed by mid-2026.
The second stage of the project involves the replacement of five existing wind turbines at the port with four new, larger turbines generating close to 20MW.
This will bring Peel Ports Group within reach of its ambition of powering the port entirely by renewable energy generated on site, including at night and over winter when the solar panels are not producing as much energy.
Claudio Veritiero, Peel Ports Group chief executive, said: “We’re proud to be embarking on this long-term partnership with E.ON and to be undertaking this important project together, revolutionising the Port of Liverpool’s energy system.
“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.”
