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.

Also read: Quinbrook Secures AUD$722 Million Debt Financing for Supernode Battery Storage Project

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.

Vesper Energy has completed one of the landmark milestones in its flagship renewable energy initiative by erecting the last module at Hornet Solar in Swisher County, Texas. The project will now be capable of completing its full operation once it has achieved the successful commissioning of over 1.36 million modules.

Hornet Solar to Deliver 600 MW of Renewable Power

Hornet Solar is expected to generate significant renewable energy from the grid across more than six square miles. Once operational, it will generate 600 megawatt alternating current (MWac) of clean energy to power 160,000 homes annually.

Safety and Efficiency Achievements

Juan Suarez, Co-CEO of Vesper Energy, praised the team’s performance in completing the project on schedule and within budget, “The seamless coordination between our team and our EPC partner, Blattner, has enabled us to remain ahead of schedule and on budget while ensuring quality throughout the process.”

He added, “Most notably, the team accomplished this task with zero recordable injuries, underscoring a commitment to safety and excellence.” 

Also read: Vesper Energy secures $592 million investment for Hornet Solar Project 

Innovative Technology at Hornet Solar

The Hornet Solar project uses bifacial photovoltaic modules with a single-axis tracking system. The technology enables the collection of sunlight by both sides of the module, thus maximizing the overall energy collection and efficiency. The project connects to Oncor Electric’s transmission system in Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) and also will deliver power to four off-take partners via separate Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs).

On Track for Commercialization by Spring 2025

Vesper Energy is targeting full commercialization of the Hornet Solar project by spring 2025. The successful installation of the final module marks a major step toward bringing the 600 MW solar plant online and contributing to the growth of renewable energy in Texas.