Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has acquired the £240 million Mallard Pass Solar PV Project, a 350 MW development on the Rutland-Lincolnshire border. Mallard Pass 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 project has a capacity of 350 MW and is expected to make a significant contribution to the UK’s renewable energy goals. The Mallard Pass Solar PV Project is Quinbrook’s second nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) after the Cleve Hill Solar project, which is nearing completion.
Mallard Pass is poised to generate over 14 million MWh of renewable power throughout its operational life. This will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 665,000 tonnes. The environmental benefits are substantial. They equate to the carbon emissions from burning more than 730 million pounds of coal.
Keith Gains, Managing Director and UK Regional Leader for Quinbrook, emphasised the project's significance. “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,” Gains said. He stated that Mallard Pass offers Quinbrook another valuable investment opportunity in the large-scale solar sector.
Construction Timeline and Employment Opportunities
Construction of the Mallard Pass Solar PV Project is expected to begin in 2026. Operations are projected to commence by 2028. During its development and operational phases, the project is forecasted to generate more than 2,000 direct and indirect jobs. Quinbrook's commitment to local and regional benefits will ensure that employment opportunities are accessible to residents in the surrounding communities.
Preliminary analyses indicate that the project will contribute upwards of £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. Cleve Hill — the UK’s first NSIP solar project — is set to begin generating solar power in the coming months. It secured the UK’s largest-ever solar corporate Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Tesco in November 2024.
“Quinbrook plans to bring high-quality solar technology and innovation to Mallard Pass,” said Gains. This includes integrating demand-side capacity potential, which will 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. Quinbrook will implement natural capital enhancement and creation initiatives, building on the experience from the 67% biodiversity net gain achieved at Cleve Hill. These efforts underscore Quinbrook's commitment to not only advancing the energy transition but also preserving and enhancing local ecosystems.
Rosalind Smith-Maxwell, Director at Quinbrook, highlighted the broader environmental impact of the project. “Solar projects of this scale play an important role in the decarbonisation of the UK grid and our country’s energy security,” she stated. “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 move forward with detailed design, procurement, and construction planning for the Mallard Pass Solar PV Project. The company aims to ensure that the project 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 will play a crucial role. With its potential to generate significant renewable energy, create jobs, and reduce carbon emissions, Mallard Pass Solar PV Project stands as a key milestone in the nation’s journey towards decarbonisation.