HBS New Energies has announced that the first site under its contract to deliver a 30MWp solar programme for Anglian Water has now been installed.

This is the second successive order awarded to HBS as part of the five-year renewable energy framework to boost on-site generation for the largest water company by geographical area in England and Wales.

Macquarie Principal Finance is funding the installation of the solar assets under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and will own, maintain and operate them with HBS once completed.

Macquarie is partnering with HBS, who will design,install and operate solar photovoltaic PV systems across Anglian Water’s portfolio of operational sites - with systems ranging from 200kWp up to 15MWp.

Anglian Water is one of the biggest energy users in the East of England and uses significant amounts of power to treat, recycle and pump water to its 6.4 million customers. The solar PV roll-out will create significant electricity and carbon savings for Anglian Water and support their commitment to operating and maintaining energy-efficient infrastructure.

Alex Riley, Renewable Energy Specialist, Anglian Water said:

“We are delighted to be working with HBS New Energies to develop and deliver a portfolio of solar photovoltaic arrays that will generate in excess of 30GWh of renewable energy for our operational sites. Once constructed, the arrays will create significant carbon savings, and help us on our path to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.”

2nd phase of Anglian Water’s push towards greater on-site solar renewable energy generation

This is the second phase of Anglian Water’s push towards greater on-site solar renewable energy generation. It follows the success of arrays installed by HBS in 2016 at the Hall Water Treatment Works in Lincolnshire and Water Recycling Centres in Witham and Rayleigh. These installations were the beginning of Anglian Water’s drive to reduce carbon emissions through the use of solar PV across their sites.

HBS New Energies are working closely with Anglian Water on all aspects of the solar programme, from legal collaboration, planning, DNO and site surveying through to electrical design, project development, construction and O&M.

The Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Macquarie offers the water company low cost, carbon neutral electricity that will help their operations become more energy efficient and sustainable for the next 25 years.

James Bull, Managing Director,HBS New Energies, said:

“We’re extremely proud to be appointed by Anglian Water, one of the world’s leading utilities, as their strategic partner on this solar PV programme. Increasing the development of solar assets under a PPA will boost on-site generation, providing a long-term strategy that will help them take direct action against today’s volatile energy market.

As one of the largest solar PPA deals in the UK, this project highlights our continued growth as a major solar developer. By capitalising on our PV expertise, we plan to forge long term partnerships with the UK’s highest energy users and help them reduce energy costs and cut carbon.”

Andrew Gray, Managing Director at Macquarie Principal Finance added:

“Our longstanding focus on renewables means we are uniquely positioned to fund the installation and maintenance of solar PV systems for our clients. This transaction demonstrates our commitment to developing solar PV in the UK, helping to reduce carbon as well as delivering cost savings for large commercial and industrial customers.”