Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) today announces it has reached Final Investment Decision (FID) on Tophams, a co-located 55 MWp solar PV and 22.6 MWh battery energy storage project near Baldock, North Hertfordshire. The decision clears the way for construction to begin, with commercial operation targeted for mid 2027.
The project will be delivered under PACE’s in-house EPC model, combining solar PV with co-located battery storage to maximise the value of a single grid connection, a strategy PACE has now applied across several of its UK sites.
Revenue is underpinned by a 20-year Contract for Difference secured through the UK Government’s AR7a Allocation Round. Construction is targeted to begin later this year, with the solar array and battery system both reaching commercial operation in the second half of 2027.
Tophams adds to a fast-growing construction programme across PACE’s UK portfolio, following recent construction milestones at Three Bridges and Attleborough Road, and reinforces the company’s transition from developer to active constructor and operator of clean energy infrastructure.
Rob Denman, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Pathfinder Clean Energy, said: “Tophams is another important step in scaling up PACE’s construction programme. Co-locating solar and storage behind a single grid connection is central to how we make the most of scarce and valuable capacity, and this project is a strong example of that approach. Reaching FID reflects months of work across our development, commercial and construction teams to get this project investment-ready, and we’re looking forward to seeing it through to energisation.”
Bram Claeys, Construction Director, PACE, added: “With Tophams now moving into construction, our teams have another site to add to an already busy programme across Hertfordshire and East Anglia. The fundamentals here, a secured connection, an awarded CfD and an experienced delivery team put us in a strong position to deliver on schedule.”
The project will be delivered by PACE’s in-house engineering and construction team, consistent with the company’s approach of retaining delivery in-house to preserve asset knowledge and optimal operational performance across its portfolio.
About Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE)
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) is a clean infrastructure developer and investor was founded in 2017 and brings together some of the leading and most experienced figures in the clean energy and infrastructure sectors. Its team operates across the UK, continental Europe, Canada and New Zealand, backed by world-leading clean energy investors.
PACE brings together a global experience team and 5GW of clean energy experience with AI-integrated proprietary technology accelerating development and creating a platform for efficient in-house construction.
PACE’s understanding and management of the complete life cycle of a project provides a route to deploying capital at scale and across multiple international clean infrastructure markets.
For all media inquiries regarding PACE: Tel. +44 (0)20 7127 4542 or press@pathfinderce.com