Yorkshire Water has selected investment and asset manager, Downing LLP, to develop, design, build and operate a portfolio of 28 solar sites across Yorkshire.

The first phase of solar deployments, an investment worth around £25 million, will generate a total capacity of approximately 23MW.

The construction of the solar panel arrays will contribute directly to Yorkshire Water’s 2030 net zero pledge - all electricity generated will be consumed on site by Yorkshire Water.

Daniel Oxley, Yorkshire Water commercial programme manager, said:

“This project is a significant step in reaching our aims of carbon net zero by 2030. Due to changes in the treatment process at our sites over recent years, many have been left with surplus operational land which can be used for the generation of renewable energy.

“These have been identified and will become home to new solar panel arrays. Once completed, the first deployment of solar panels will generate 4% of our annual power needs, increasing our renewable energy use, reducing our exposure to energy price volatility and reducing the operational costs of our sites, which will provide better value for money for our customers.”

Sean Moore, investment director at Downing, commented:

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Yorkshire Water for this solar project. By assisting a national utility company with its goal of reaching net zero by 2030, we are emphasising Downing’s commitment to responsible investing. It’s fantastic to support energy-intensive industries such as water companies making progressive strides to reduce their carbon footprint – something we whole-heartedly support.”

The Ikigai Group supported Downing LLP in the highly competitive tender process to develop, design, build and operate the portfolio of 28 solar sites. This represents Downing’s second successful tender award from a national utility company, having won Northumbrian Water’s solar tender.

The Ikigai Group, acted as a strategic adviser and behind the meter co-development partner to Downing LLP throughout the tender process that began in 2020.

Martin Clarke, Project Director and Water Sector lead at Ikigai, added:

“This project demonstrates how water companies can achieve the mutual objectives of decarbonisation and better consumer value through externally financed onsite energy solutions. It has been a pleasure to work so closely and collaboratively with Yorkshire Water and one of the UK’s leading renewable investment managers, Downing. We look forward to delivering this highly ambitious and investable portfolio together.”