Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has boldly stepped into the East Midlands solar scene, snapping up the mammoth 350 MW Mallard Pass solar PV project. This isn’t just another solar farm; it’s a powerhouse poised to generate a staggering 14 million MWh of renewable energy over its lifetime. The £240 million project straddling the Rutland-Lincolnshire border is more than just a financial play for Quinbrook—the investment manager is betting big on the UK’s energy transition. With construction slated to begin in 2026 and operations commencing in 2028, Mallard Pass is set to create 2,000 jobs, injecting a significant economic boost into the region. This is Quinbrook’s second nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) after the Cleve Hill Solar project, which is nearing completion. Keith Gains, managing director and regional leader UK for Quinbrook, underscored the strategic importance of such large-scale renewable projects. “Renewable power projects of the scale of Cleve Hill and Mallard Pass help accelerate the UK’s energy transition and decarbonisation along with enhanced resilience of energy supply,” he stated.
Mallard Pass isn’t just about energy production; it’s about innovation and sustainability. Quinbrook plans to leverage its global expertise to bring cutting-edge solar technology and innovation to the project, including its demand-side capacity potential. The project aims to reduce CO2 emissions by a colossal 665,000 tonnes, equivalent to the emissions from burning 738.7 million pounds of coal. This is a clear message to the industry: large-scale solar isn’t just about meeting energy demands; it’s about doing so sustainably and responsibly.
Quinbrook’s commitment to biodiversity is equally impressive. The company aims for a 71% biodiversity net gain at Mallard Pass, building on its experience from the 67% gain achieved at Cleve Hill. This isn’t just greenwashing; it’s a tangible commitment to environmental stewardship. Rosalind Smith-Maxwell, director for Quinbrook, highlighted the project’s role in the UK’s energy security and decarbonisation efforts. “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, are now diving headfirst into detailed design, procurement, and construction planning. This isn’t just about building a solar farm; it’s about setting a new benchmark for large-scale renewable energy projects in the UK. The ripple effects of this investment could be profound. It signals a confidence in the UK’s renewable energy sector, potentially attracting more investors and accelerating the energy transition. Moreover, the focus on biodiversity and sustainability sets a high bar for future projects, challenging the industry to prioritise environmental stewardship alongside energy production.
As the construction industry watches Mallard Pass unfold, it’s clear that Quinbrook is not just investing in a solar farm; it’s investing in the future of energy in the UK. This project could very well shape the trajectory of renewable energy development in the sector, pushing boundaries and challenging norms. It’s a bold move, and it’s one that could redefine what’s possible in the UK’s renewable energy landscape.
