The Northwold solar PV generating station in Norfolk, developed by Multiplex Construction Europe and Ampyr Solar Europe (ASE), has now been hooked up to the grid.
Completion and powering up of Northwold PV comes after years of planning and a power purchase agreement (PPA) that Multiplex and Ampyr Solar Europe entered into in November 2023.
Multiplex clais to be the first and only contractor in the UK with its own solar farm and, from 1st April 2025, four major construction projects that it is delivering in central London 鈥� including New Zealand House, One Exchange Square and Bankside Yards (Building 2) 鈥� will be powered by green energy offset under the PPA. It is Multiplex鈥檚 intention that all new projects will subsequently fall under this arrangement too, as part of a 15-year partnership with Ampyr Solar.
Through securing a long-term supply of renewable power, this will contribute to zero onsite emissions and a reduction of Scope 2 emissions (indirect emissions from purchased electricity). Additionally, Multiplex aims to attain net zero building operations, zero emissions transport and zero avoidable waste by 2030.
The Northwold PV project has a generation capacity of 10 MWp, covering 19 hectares and comprising 16,380 solar panels. The installation will generate approximately 11,448 MWh per year, supplying more than 4,200 households with energy. A 7.5 MW battery storage system, managed by GridBeyond, will provide support during peak demand periods.
Multiplex UK regional director Tom Marke said: 鈥淣orthwold PV going online is a significant step forward in reducing our carbon emissions, delivering actions and not merely words in support of the decarbonisation of the UK construction industry. Multiplex鈥檚 self-generated renewable energy will directly lead to verifiable emission reduction and renewable energy production, supporting the UK鈥檚 National Grid decarbonisation goals.鈥�
Ampyr Solar Europe chief executive Tarun Agrawal said: 鈥淭his project represents another important step in our commitment to a cleaner, greener future. With the Northwold PV installation, we are not only expanding our European renewable energy portfolio but also demonstrating our dedication to the UK鈥檚 decarbonisation goals. We are excited to continue our journey in enabling a sustainable energy transition.鈥�
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