Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners, a global investment manager focused on energy transition infrastructure, has announced the acquisition of Mallard Pass, a 350 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) project located on the Rutland-Lincolnshire border in the East Midlands, England. This acquisition marks Quinbrook’s second nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP), following the Cleve Hill Solar project, the UK’s first NSIP solar initiative, which is nearing completion.
A Major Step Toward the UK’s Renewable Energy Future
Construction for Mallard Pass will begin from 2026, and this will start to generate solar power from 2028. The facility will greatly help in quickening the transition of the UK towards renewable sources of energy but also ensure resiliency of energy supply. Quinbrook is drawing upon experience from Cleve Hill that was the first NSIP ever to be given a Contract for Difference in Allocation Round 4 of the UK and already had secured the largest ever solar corporate power purchase agreement with Tesco.
Job creation and local economic impact
Quinbrook hopes that Mallard Pass would greatly benefit the community in need. Preliminary analysis of the proposed development showed that the project might create more than 2,000 jobs, direct and indirect, over the lifecycle, and add a potential £124 million to the local economy. Quinbrook is prioritizing local opportunities at Mallard Pass, just as it did with Cleve Hill during development and construction.
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A Holistic Approach to Energy Transition
Rosalind Smith-Maxwell, Director at Quinbrook, said, “Solar projects of this scale play an important role in the decarbonisation of the UK grid and our country’s energy security.”
She added, “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.”
Mallard Pass will generate more than 14 million MWh of renewable power over its operational lifetime, significantly reducing carbon emissions by 665,000 tonnes—equivalent to the CO2 emissions from burning 738 million pounds of coal. Quinbrook aims for a 71% biodiversity boost at Mallard Pass, focusing on habitat restoration and nature enhancement efforts. This follows the success of their biodiversity initiatives at Cleve Hill, where they achieved a 67% net gain.
