Power purchase agreement announced with Ernst & Young for Norfolk solar farm

Lightsource bp, a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects, has been selected to provide Ernst & Young LLP (‘EY’) with its first zero-carbon Power Purchase Agreement. Lightsource bp’s solar plant will generate enough electricity to supply 100% of EY’s electricity needs in the UK.

Lightsource bp has financed and developed the solar plant – which is located near the village of Thornham in Norfolk and has a 20.6MWp installed capacity. Construction began this month and is expected to take approximately six months to complete. The solar plant will use bifacial solar panels to increase efficiency and maximise energy production.

Lightsource bp is dedicated to improving global sustainability, and as such all sites are designed to boost biodiversity and improve the local habitat, where possible. When construction is complete, the Thornham solar plant will feature new hedgerow and tree planting, nesting bird protections, grassland creation and bird and bat boxes, and on-site beehives, as well as ecological monitoring. All these measures have been taken to ensure that the solar plant doesn’t just generate renewable electricity, but also has a positive impact on the local environment.

Speaking about the power purchase agreement, Zosia Riesner, Lightsource bp’s Director of Power Markets, commented: “Solar technology is quick to deploy and provides EY with a reliable source of renewable power supported by Guarantees of Origin.  This solar plant, and others like it, enables the growth of the renewable sector as we continue to transition into a low carbon energy system.”

Find out more about our Thornham solar site.