Beverage manufacturer Refresco has begun installing 21.5MWp of solar photovoltaic capacity across four UK production facilities, including an 8.5MWp rooftop installation in Somerset that is expected to become the largest of its kind in the country.
The installation at Refresco’s Bridgwater plant will comprise more than 18,000 solar modules and is expected to generate approximately 7.5GWh of electricity annually, meeting around 17% of the site’s electricity requirements.
The four-site programme is being delivered by commercial solar specialist GB NRG, with funding and long-term asset management provided by Zestec Renewable Energy through power purchase agreements (PPAs) backed by funds managed by Octopus Energy Generation.
According to the companies, the Bridgwater project is expected to become the UK’s largest solar PV installation on a single continuous roof. Construction is already underway, with installation taking place while the manufacturing facility continues operating around the clock.
The work presents challenges associated with installing large-scale electrical infrastructure on an operational industrial site, including maintaining production, protecting roof integrity and managing construction safely.
Refresco selected GB NRG following a competitive procurement process involving 12 commercial solar providers. GB NRG subsequently arranged a separate competitive process to secure financing for the programme, resulting in Zestec’s appointment.
Under the PPA arrangement, Zestec will fund and manage the solar infrastructure, allowing Refresco to purchase electricity generated onsite without having to finance the initial installation itself.
James Logan, managing director of Refresco UK, said: “This programme will enable us to generate more renewable electricity directly at our production facilities, reduce our reliance on grid-supplied electricity and strengthen the long-term resilience of our operations.”
He added that reducing emissions from manufacturing activities would also help Refresco’s customers address emissions within their supply chains.
The project illustrates the potential for large industrial electricity users to exploit existing roof space for renewable generation, particularly where long-term electricity purchasing agreements can overcome the upfront cost of installing solar infrastructure.
The companies have not specified commissioning dates for the four installations or the proportion of Refresco’s overall UK electricity demand that the completed programme is expected to meet.
