Cero Generation and UK partner Enso Energy have reached financial close on the Bumble Bee co-located renewable energy project near the West Burton substation close to Doncaster.
The companies said the scheme will deliver 78MWp of solar PV alongside a 120MW battery energy storage system, strengthening Cero’s UK portfolio as it targets more than 1GW in operation across its core markets.
They added that financing was secured from ING, NORD/LB, Rabobank and Santander UK under the Gemini portfolio facility, following the 114MW Bramley project which closed last summer and is now under construction.
A portion of the battery revenues will be secured through a 10-year tolling agreement with ENGIE, which will optimise 70MW/140MWh of capacity, marking Cero’s first tolling agreement and the first signed on a co-located asset in the UK.
EDF will provide optimisation services for the remaining battery capacity and route-to-market services for the solar PV, according to the companies.
Construction is expected to begin in the coming months with Metlen Energy & Metals as EPC contractor, JA Solar supplying panels and Sungrow Europe providing the BESS.
Cero said reaching financial close demonstrates lender confidence and underlines the role of co-located solar and storage projects in accelerating the UK’s energy transition.