OnPath Energy has selected Goldbeck Solar to deliver the engineering, procurement and construction of the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park near Leeds.
The 50-hectare site, located between Kippax and Allerton Bywater, will generate enough electricity to supply the average annual needs of up to 13,000 homes.
Goldbeck Solar will manage the project’s design, construction and commissioning, and will operate and maintain the solar farm for the first two years of operation.
Construction is due to begin this summer, with connection to the National Grid via the Ledston Primary substation expected in spring 2026.
OnPath said Barnsdale will deliver the largest biodiversity net gain of any renewable energy project in Leeds to date, achieving a 106% increase through wildflower meadows, wetlands, tree and hedgerow planting.
The company will also direct over £800,000 of project revenues into a community fund to support local groups, voluntary organisations and environmental initiatives.
Martin Kellerman, construction director at OnPath Energy, said: “The Barnsdale Solar Energy Park is OnPath’s first solar project and represents a real milestone towards achieving the company’s ambition of becoming the UK’s leading land-based renewable energy developer.”
“Goldbeck Solar has extensive experience of working on solar energy generation projects, both within the UK and overseas, and we’re very pleased to have them as part of an excellent team of contractors.”
Goldbeck Solar has built 3.5GW of solar power plants in 20 countries since its founding in 2001.
Colin Deans, UK country manager at Goldbeck Solar, said: “Barnsdale adds to our ever-growing construction pipeline and we look forward to working with OnPath on delivering a high-performing project.”
“This site has some unique challenges and we believe it highlights our expertise in designing projects like Barnsdale.”
OnPath Energy owns and operates four onshore wind farms in Yorkshire and is also developing the Common Farm Solar Energy Park near Dinnington in South Yorkshire.