The 120MW ground-mounted solar PV plant will provide over 100 local green jobs. Image: Sonnedix.
Sonnedix has initiated the construction of the Cowley Complex, which is poised to be the largest solar plant within its 300MW UK portfolio. Spanning 120MW, this ground-mounted solar PV facility is slated to rank among the UK’s largest upon its completion in 2025. The project will generate over 100 local green jobs and is situated in County Durham, comprising three interconnected sites of 60MW, 43MW, and 17MW each.
Once operational, the Cowley Complex will annually supply approximately 124,600MWh of renewable electricity, sufficient to power 35,000 UK households and prevent nearly 48,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions. Managed by EPC contractor Ameresco Sunel Energy, the project aligns with Sonnedix’s commitment to spearhead the UK’s transition to renewable energy.
In 2022, Sonnedix bolstered its UK presence by acquiring a solar PV portfolio of 300MW developed by Lightsource bp. Axel Thiemann, Sonnedix’s CEO, expressed enthusiasm for the progress, affirming the company’s dedication to facilitating the UK’s shift toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy system.
The Cowley Complex marks the maiden project to benefit from Sonnedix’s EUR500 million loan facility secured in December 2023. This financing mechanism enables streamlined development across Europe, particularly in Spain, Italy, and the UK. The entire UK portfolio is backed by the government’s Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, ensuring long-term price and revenue stability, effective from 2026.
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Jorge Amiano Goyarrola, global head of engineering and construction, emphasized the significance of the Cowley site, highlighting its contribution to local infrastructure and employment opportunities. With its scale and impact, the Cowley Complex underscores Sonnedix’s commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions in the UK.
