EDF & Aukera Sign PPA for Benthead Solar Farm + BESS in Scotland

An artist's rendering of the Benthead Solar Farm in North Ayrshire, Scotland, showcasing the co-located solar panels and the 31MW battery energy storage system (BESS).

EDF has entered a groundbreaking partnership with Aukera, a prominent player in European renewable energy investments and development, to secure a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 100% of the output from the Benthead Solar Farm.

This project is a new-build initiative co-located with a 31MW battery energy storage system (BESS), marking a significant step towards clean, dispatchable power in the UK.

Location and Contract Highlights

The Benthead Solar Farm, located in North Ayrshire, Scotland, has been awarded a 15-year Contract for Difference (CfD) as part of Allocation Round 6, an essential mechanism in the UK Government's strategy to drive investment in renewable energy.

The PPA agreement will last for a term of 9 to 11 years, depending on the battery’s commissioning date. This partnership marks the first collaboration between EDF, Britain’s largest offtaker of renewable power and biggest optimiser of batteries, and Aukera, showcasing both companies' commitment to accelerating the UK's transition to a low-carbon future.

Pexapark’s Role and Market Significance

Pexapark, a leader in providing renewable energy PPA benchmark prices, market intelligence, and advisory services, acted as the commercial advisor to Aukera. Pexapark’s guidance focused on key structural aspects of the PPA and BESS agreements, ensuring the long-term success of the partnership.

The Benthead project sets a strong example for the growing number of hybrid projects in permitting and development. Currently, 40% of wind and solar projects at advanced stages of development in the UK are co-located with BESS, representing a 10.6GW capacity.

This reflects the increasing trend of integrating solar power with battery storage as part of the country’s clean energy transition. Pexapark anticipates continued growth in this segment as these projects progress.

Project Overview and Environmental Impact

Aukera’s fully owned Benthead Solar Farm, part of a 250MW portfolio, will generate 78.4GWh annuall, enough to power 25,000+ homes and cut 17,000 tons of CO₂ each year, with commissioning set for 2026 and total output projected at 705–862GWh over its PPA term.Next-Generation Solar and Storage Model

The Benthead site represents an innovative model of co-located renewables and flexible storage. The solar farm and the AC-coupled battery system share a 63MW grid connection, enabling strategic control of exports to maximize grid value. This integration allows for optimized use of both renewable energy and storage to enhance the overall energy output and efficiency.

Christopher Dalley, Director of Wholesale Market Services at EDF, said, “We are proud to partner with Aukera on this exciting project which reflects our shared vision of a cleaner, more flexible energy system. The integration of long-term PPA stability with cutting-edge battery optimisation through PowerShift demonstrates how EDF supports the UK’s net zero ambitions while unlocking greater value for renewable asset owners.”

Also read: Skytree, Return Carbon, and Verified Carbon Partner with EDF Renewables on DAC Facilities in Texas

EDF’s PowerShift Optimization for Battery System

In addition to the PPA, EDF has signed a separate optimization agreement for the battery system through its PowerShift platform. This platform provides real-time trading and operational support for flexible assets, utilizing advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to optimize performance across various markets, including wholesale, balancing, and ancillary markets.