Peel Ports Group and E.ON Launch ‘UK’s Largest’ 31 MW Solar Project

Peel Ports Group, the UK’s second-largest port operator, has named E.ON as one of its net-zero partners to help achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2040. They have announced the first of several initiatives: installing the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar energy system at the Port of Liverpool and a future project to upgrade the existing wind turbines on the banks of the River Mersey with fewer, larger turbines.

This marks the first stage of a 25-year agreement between the two companies, aimed at helping Peel Ports Group achieve its goal of net-zero emissions by 2040. The project could involve installing up to 63,000 solar panels—equivalent to the size of 18 football pitches—across 26 buildings at the Port of Liverpool.

The solar panels could generate up to 31MW of renewable electricity, meeting the annual power needs of over 10,000 average UK homes. While the exact number of panels and their generation capacity will be determined in the final designs, this solar array is expected to be the largest of its kind in the UK, providing up to 25% of the Port’s annual electricity requirements.

The solar panels will reduce CO2e emissions from the site by over 6,500 tonnes annually, equivalent to removing more than 2,250 cars from the road. To minimize disruption in the local area, the project will be entirely contained within the existing footprint of the Port, utilizing existing roof space and transporting all equipment and technology directly to the port by sea, thus avoiding any impact on local roads. Over 6,000 solar panels have already been delivered to the Port, ready for installation on the new 240,000 square foot Alexandra Dock warehouse, which is nearing completion.

The project is being financed and delivered by E.ON, with the installation of the solar panels already underway and expected to be completed by mid-2026. E.ON has committed to using local contractors wherever possible and will also seek to work with local companies for the ongoing maintenance over the 25-year period. In the second stage of the agreement, the five existing wind turbines at the port will be replaced with four new, larger turbines, generating nearly 20MW. This will bring Peel Ports Group closer to its goal of powering the Port of Liverpool entirely with on-site renewable energy, including during nights and winter months when solar panels produce less energy. This phase is expected to begin as early as 2027/28, pending planning consent and consultation with the local community.

Claudio Veritiero , CEO, Peel Ports Group, said, “We’re proud to be embarking on this long-term partnership with E.ON and to be undertaking this important project together, revolutionising the Port of Liverpool’s energy system. Ports of the future need to become more sustainable environments and we must play our part in a greener supply chain. There is still work to do, but this project is a huge step for Peel Ports Group in cutting emissions and driving our ambition to become a net-zero port operator by 2040.”

Chris Norbury, E.ON UK CEO, said, “The Port of Liverpool is a critical piece of infrastructure for the UK and decarbonising sites like this will be vital for the UK to achieve its environmental goals. Simply put, we all need to move faster on reducing emissions and this huge project will be a massive step in the right direction.
“We’ve been the energy supplier for Peel Ports Group for more than 20 years and I’m proud they’re putting their trust in us and our relationship so far to create what will be a clean energy system fit for decades to come. Our sustainable solutions help businesses with their environmental ambitions and will be crucial if we are to meet the UK’s 2050 net zero targets.”