Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has acquired the £240 million Mallard Pass Solar PV Project, a 350 MW development on the Rutland-Lincolnshire border. The project is expected to generate over 14 million MWh of renewable power and reduce CO2 emissions by 665,000 tonnes, significantly supporting the UK’s decarbonisation goals.
Mallard Pass Solar PV Project: Major Boost to UK’s Renewable Energy Transition
Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has announced its acquisition of the £240 million Mallard Pass Solar PV Project. Located on the Rutland-Lincolnshire border in the East Midlands, the 350 MW development is set to make a significant contribution to the UK’s renewable energy goals. Mallard Pass is Quinbrook’s second nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP), following the near-complete Cleve Hill Solar project.
Throughout its operational life, Mallard Pass is expected to generate over 14 million MWh of renewable power, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 665,000 tonnes. These substantial environmental benefits are equivalent to the carbon emissions from burning more than 730 million pounds of coal.
Commenting on the project’s significance, Keith Gains, Managing Director and UK Regional Leader for Quinbrook, said, “Renewable power projects of the scale of Cleve Hill and Mallard Pass help accelerate the UK’s energy transition and decarbonisation. They also enhance the resilience of our energy supply.” He added that Mallard Pass offers Quinbrook another valuable investment opportunity in the large-scale solar sector.
Construction Timeline and Employment Opportunities
Construction on the Mallard Pass Solar PV Project is expected to begin in 2026, with operations set to commence by 2028. The project is forecasted to generate more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs during its development and operational phases. Quinbrook is committed to ensuring these employment opportunities are accessible to residents in the surrounding communities.
Preliminary analyses indicate the project will contribute more than £124 million in local socio-economic benefits over its lifespan. This financial injection will support local businesses and foster economic growth in the Rutland and Lincolnshire areas.
Quinbrook plans to leverage its extensive global experience in large-scale renewables development, construction, and operations. The firm’s success with the Cleve Hill Solar project serves as a blueprint for Mallard Pass. As the UK’s first NSIP solar project, Cleve Hill is set to begin generating solar power in the coming months and secured the nation’s largest-ever solar corporate Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Tesco in November 2023.
“Quinbrook plans to bring high-quality solar technology and innovation to Mallard Pass,” said Gains. This will include integrating demand-side capacity potential to help optimise the project’s performance and contribution to the national grid.
Focus on Biodiversity and Environmental Gains
Beyond its renewable energy output, Mallard Pass is also set to deliver a 71% biodiversity net gain. Building on the experience from the 67% biodiversity net gain achieved at Cleve Hill, Quinbrook will implement natural capital enhancement and creation initiatives. These efforts underscore the company’s commitment to advancing the energy transition while preserving and enhancing local ecosystems.
Rosalind Smith-Maxwell, Director at Quinbrook, highlighted the project’s broader environmental impact. “Solar projects of this scale play an important role in the decarbonisation of the UK grid and our country’s energy security,” she said. “The investment in Mallard Pass is another excellent example of Quinbrook’s focus on holistic and impactful investment in the infrastructure needed to advance the energy transition.”
Quinbrook and its affiliate, Private Energy Partners, will now advance the detailed design, procurement, and construction planning for the Mallard Pass Solar PV Project, ensuring the development adheres to the highest standards of quality and sustainability.
As the UK continues its push towards a more sustainable energy future, projects like Mallard Pass are set to play a crucial role. With its potential to generate significant renewable energy, create jobs, and reduce carbon emissions, the Mallard Pass Solar PV Project stands as a key milestone in the nation’s journey towards decarbonisation.