A major renewable energy construction project in Cornwall has secured £58.1 million in financing, supporting the continued development of a new solar and battery energy storage facility.
European Energy has secured the construction financing from Danske Bank for its Indian Queens hybrid renewable energy project in Cornwall. The project combines large scale solar generation with battery storage and is expected to begin commercial operations in 2027.
The £58.1 million financing provides further momentum for the UK solar battery construction project, which is designed to make more effective use of existing grid infrastructure while supporting the integration of renewable energy.
A major investment in renewable infrastructure
The Indian Queens project will include a 68 MW solar park alongside a 47.5 MW/95 MWh battery energy storage system.
By bringing solar generation and battery storage together at the same site, the project is designed to provide both renewable electricity and additional flexibility for the energy system.
The facility will use a shared grid connection for both its solar generation and battery storage. This approach is intended to make more efficient use of available grid infrastructure while allowing the project to respond to changing energy requirements.
Once operational, the project will add new renewable generation capacity to the UK energy system while also providing battery storage that can support greater flexibility.
Construction supported by long term agreements
The project has been structured around contracted renewable generation and battery flexibility.
Its solar component is supported by a corporate power purchase agreement, while the battery energy storage system is supported by a Capacity Market Contract.
These arrangements are intended to provide greater revenue stability while maintaining operational flexibility across the project.
The combination of solar generation and energy storage is increasingly relevant as the UK energy system continues to incorporate more renewable power. Projects such as Indian Queens can combine electricity generation with storage capabilities within a single development.
European Energy expands its renewable portfolio
For European Energy, the Indian Queens development forms part of its wider strategy to build integrated renewable energy assets combining generation and storage.
Jens Peter Zink, Deputy CEO of European Energy, said hybrid renewable energy projects are becoming increasingly important as energy markets require more flexible and resilient assets.
He added that combining battery storage with solar generation can strengthen the long term investment profile of renewable infrastructure.
The financing also highlights continued financial interest in renewable energy construction projects in the UK.
Danske Bank said its support reflects its commitment to renewable energy development and helping Nordic companies expand into international markets.
Making better use of existing infrastructure
One of the key features of the Indian Queens project is its shared grid connection.
Using one connection for both solar generation and battery storage can help optimise available grid capacity and improve the efficiency of the wider infrastructure.
The approach also gives the project the ability to combine clean electricity generation with storage, allowing its assets to respond to grid and market requirements.
With commercial operations expected to begin in 2027, the Indian Queens development represents a significant investment in Cornwall’s renewable energy infrastructure.
As construction continues, the UK solar battery construction project demonstrates how large scale renewable developments can bring together private investment, energy generation and storage within a single facility.
The project also forms part of European Energy’s wider pipeline of solar and energy storage developments across Europe, highlighting the growing role of hybrid renewable energy projects in the future of the energy sector.
Source: SolarQuarter
Image courtesy of SolarQuarter