NSG Group and Lightsource BP Announce Connection of Solar Farm

Lightsource BP and NSG Group today announced the successful completion and connection of a 2.29MWp solar installation. The site, which was fully funded by Lightsource BP, is hard-wired into the private electricity network of world-leading glass manufacturer NSG Group’s European Technical Centre in Lathom, Lancashire, and is anticipated to provide around 30% of the facility’s annual electricity demand.

This project was developed and funded entirely by Lightsource BP, with no capital investment required from NSG Group and no disruption to their daily operations during construction. NSG Group buys the clean, renewable electricity via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Lightsource BP, which provides a fixed, index-linked rate designed to hedge against future price fluctuations and deliver operational savings over the 25-year contract period.

This project is especially significant for both Lightsource BP and NSG Group as the installation showcases one of the glass manufacturer’s own products. The solar modules selected were sourced from First Solar, one of NSG Group’s largest global customers. Research and development for the glass contained within the solar modules was conducted at the European Technical Centre itself, where operations will now be powered by their own hard work.

As well as reducing electricity costs, the solar installation is a crucial part of NSG Group’s drive to improve their sustainability credentials, and this project will help them meet carbon reduction targets by saving an estimated 848 tonnes in emissions each year – the equivalent of taking 180 family cars off the road.

Nick Boyle, CEO of Lightsource BP, said: “The connection of this project is testament to a “new normal” in British solar energy. Initiatives now must be sustainable without taxpayer support and make financial sense to all stakeholders involved. At Lightsource BP, we are committed to offering our clients a reliable source of renewable energy, allowing them to reduce their carbon footprint, as well as their electricity bills. We firmly believe that the future of energy will be clean and sustainable and are proud to help businesses move towards those goals. Our PPAs are tailored to each customer, offering a bespoke solution to individual business needs with no investment or risk to companies.”

Mike Greenall, Chief Technology Officer, NSG Group, said: “This is a fantastic investment that demonstrates our commitment to green power, and all the more exciting as it showcases NSG’s products. This announcement is important to the company, our drive to improve NSG’s sustainability credentials, and will be crucial to meeting our carbon reduction targets.”

Lightsource BP developed and constructed the Lathom solar installations alongside an in-depth biodiversity management plan. This plan details planting measures designed to support local wildlife, strengthen the biodiversity of the local area and provide significant environmental benefits to the surrounding farmland.

The site was carefully chosen, and both Lightsource BP and NSG Group appreciate the important heritage of Lathom House and its history during World War One. Two separate archaeological investigations were undertaken and identified the remains of structures from this time within the southern field. In order to avoid any adverse impact on these identified archaeological features, Lightsource BP amended the installation layout, and agreed a construction methodology with the County Archaeologist.