Peel Ports Group and E.ON have produced the first electricity from new roof-mounted solar panels at the Port of Liverpool, after energising the almost 260,000 sq ft Alexandra Dock warehouse.

The milestone forms part of a wider sustainability programme to develop the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar array at the port.

A total of 6,926 panels has been installed on the building known as the ‘Alex Shed’ and connected to the grid, the opening phase of a plan to fit up to 48,000 panels across additional port buildings.

The 25-year agreement between Peel Ports Group and E.ON is projected to cut CO2e emissions by 4,700 tonnes a year – the equivalent of taking more than 1,600 cars off the road – and will support the group’s ambition to reach net zero by 2040.

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.

-- Advertisement --

"We've been energy partners of the Peel Ports Group for more than two decades and I'm extremely proud of our relationship and their continued trust in our ability to collaborate further in meeting their future energy ambitions."

The grid connection advances the port operator's strategy to secure 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Once fully built, the array is expected to deliver 25MW of electricity, supplying around a quarter of the port's annual power needs and matching the yearly consumption of more than 10,000 average UK homes.

E.ON is financing and delivering the full installation and has committed to using local contractors for both the build and ongoing maintenance over the 25-year term.

All works have been carried out within the existing port footprint, maximising roof space, with equipment and materials brought in by sea to minimise disruption to nearby communities.

Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director – Port Services at Peel Ports Group, said: "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.

"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.

"This project demonstrates how ports can lead the transition to renewable energy by maximising existing infrastructure, working with trusted partners like E.ON, and delivering long-term benefits for our customers, local communities and the environment as we progress towards our net zero target by 2040."