Pathfinder Clean Energy announces appointment of Julio Perez as Senior Grid Engineer
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Julio Perez as Senior Grid Engineer, joining its Development and Construction team. This strategic hire strengthens PACE’s expertise in grid integration and infrastructure as the company continues to expand its UK and international renewable energy pipeline.
With a PhD in Electrical Power Systems from Imperial College London and extensive professional experience in the UK energy sector, Julio brings deep technical expertise in distribution network modelling, grid compliance studies, and renewable integration. His previous roles at UK Power Networks, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, and ABB Power Grids included delivering grid connection studies for offshore windfarms, developing flexible connection schemes, and advancing innovative software tools for flexibility procurement and curtailment analysis
In his new role, Julio will be responsible for the design, execution, and analysis of grid infrastructure across PACE’s solar PV and energy storage projects, ensuring compliance with DNO/IDNO standards and supporting the integration of renewable technologies into the grid
He will work closely with project managers, engineers, and external partners to deliver high-quality, compliant, and future-proof grid solutions.
Julio expressed his enthusiasm about joining PACE:
“I am excited to contribute my experience in grid systems and renewable integration to PACE’s ambitious growth plans. With a strong project pipeline and a forward-looking approach to clean energy, PACE provides an ideal platform to apply my skills in driving the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy.”
Rob Denman, Managing Director of Pathfinder Clean Energy, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Julio to the team. His blend of academic excellence and practical experience across grid and renewable projects will be invaluable as PACE advances over 250MW of projects into construction in 2025/26 and many more to come 2027 onwards. Grid expertise is a critical enabler for our business, and Julio’s appointment underlines our commitment to delivering innovative, reliable, and efficient energy solutions.”
For more information about joining or working with PACE, please contact: careers@pathfinderce.com
Pathfinder Clean Energy welcomes Mike Henderson as Investment Analyst
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) is delighted to welcome Mike Henderson to its expanding commercial team in the role of Investment Analyst. Mike brings a strong background in renewable energy finance, project valuation and market optimisation, and will support PACE’s commercial and financial operations as the company scales its portfolio of solar and storage assets.
Mike joins PACE from EDF Renewables UK & Ireland, where he gained wide-ranging experience across investment analysis, business development, and revenue optimisation.
Mike holds an MSc in Renewable Energy and Environmental Finance from UCD Smurfit School of Business, where he specialised in renewable energy finance, energy economics, and applied derivatives. He also holds a BSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) from University College Dublin.
“We’re excited to have Mike join the PACE team,” said Rob Denman, CEO of Pathfinder Clean Energy. “His expertise in investment analysis, financial modelling, and market strategy will be invaluable as we continue to deliver innovative and sustainable clean energy projects.”
For media inquiries, contact: press@pathfinderce.com
Pathfinder Clean Energy reaches FID and commences construction of 25MWp solar park in Norfolk, UK
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) is pleased to announce it has reached Final Investment Decision (FID) on its Attleborough Road solar project, marking another key milestone in its growing UK pipeline. The project will now progress into the construction phase.
Located on 79 acres of leased low-grade agricultural land near Attleborough, Norfolk, the site will deliver a 25 MWp solar PV installation, representing another high-quality, low-carbon energy asset developed under PACE’s UK strategy.
Rob Denman, Managing Director of PACE, said: ‘’With FID now reached, the Attleborough Road project moves confidently into construction. It is another example of our development-to-delivery capability across hybrid and utility-scale solar assets,” said Rob Denman, Managing Director of Pathfinder Clean Energy.
“It follows the FID on the Three Bridges hybrid solar and storage asset and marks another step toward delivering resilient, decentralised energy infrastructure in line with UK net-zero ambitions".
A Lean, Grid-Ready Solar Asset
The project achieved grid acceptance with UK Power Networks (UKPN) and has completed Milestone M7 under CMP435. With a 33kV export connection, it will deliver 18 MWac export capacity, supported by Power Electronics central inverters and high-efficiency N-type bifacial modules.
PACE's in-house team will manage construction execution, with performance testing and full energisation scheduled through summer 2026.
Pathfinder Clean Energy reaches FID and commences construction of 25MWp solar and 15MW/32MWh BESS park in Norfolk, UK
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) is pleased to announce it has reached Final Investment Decision (FID) on its Three Bridges solar and battery energy storage project, marking a significant milestone in its UK development portfolio. The project will now move into the construction phase.
Set across 86 acres of low-grade agricultural land in Norfolk, the Three Bridges project combines 25 MWp of solar PV with a co-located 32.6 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), delivering a hybrid asset designed for clean, flexible and resilient energy delivery.
‘This is another example of our strategy to bring high-quality clean energy assets into construction, with full alignment between our development, delivery, and investment teams.” said Rob Denman, Managing Director of Pathfinder Clean Energy
‘As the UK energy market continues its transition, hybrid projects like Three Bridges form a vital part of delivering energy security, decarbonisation, and grid resilience. With construction imminent, PACE is poised to bring another high-performing clean energy asset online, helping shape the next generation of flexible renewables.
Designed for Today’s Grid, Ready for Tomorrow’s Challenges
Three Bridges will connect directly to the UKPN network at 33kV, with 15 MW import/export capability, and grid milestones already completed, including CMP435 protected status and Milestone M7. Planning has already been implemented on the site, the project is classified as Ready to Build, with the main construction scheduled to begin in July 2025 and Commercial Operation Date (COD) set for September 2026.
The solar system incorporates high-efficiency N-type mono-crystalline high efficiency modules and central inverter architecture provided by Power Electronics, while the BESS will provide critical grid flexibility. The system can provide grid forming capabilities if required.
The technical delivery will be managed by PACE Construction - led by Bram Claeys and Tijs Behaeghe - and has a full suite of UK-based subcontractors and suppliers engaged. Key suppliers include DMEGC,Power Electronics and Zimmermann.
Pathfinder Clean Energy Submits Into Planning Lassington Solar - A 40MW Solar Farm, Co-located With BESS In Gloucestershire, UK.
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a leading UK-based developer of utility-scale renewable energy projects, has submitted a planning application for Lassington Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a new 40MW solar and storage development located near Gloucester, Gloucestershire.
The proposed scheme directly supports Tewkesbury Borough Council’s declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2019 and its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. With a planned grid connection date prior to 2030, the project is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to both national decarbonisation objectives and the Council’s specific emissions reduction targets.
Rob Denman, Managing Director at PACE, commented: “Lassington Solar and BESS will not only offer an immediate and tangible contribution toward meeting the Council’s climate goals, but it will also deliver substantial Biodiversity Net Gain. This project addresses the interconnected challenges of climate change, energy security, and biodiversity loss at both a local and national level.”
Pathfinder Clean Energy welcomes Joel Bright as new Finance Manager for construction activities
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) is delighted to welcome Joel Bright to its expanding finance team in the role of Finance Manager. Joel brings extensive experience in financial and management accounting across the renewable energy, med-tech, and FMCG sectors, and will play a key role in supporting the company’s commercial and financial operations as it scales its international clean energy portfolio.
Joel joins PACE from Fred Olsen Renewables, where he led FP&A processes, implemented planning tools to improve forecasting, and developed financial models for development and refinancing decisions. He also played a central role in managing SPV accounts and bank covenants, and delivered statutory accounts for clean energy portfolios.
A Chartered Management Accountant (CIMA), Joel holds an MSc in Clinical Engineering from King’s College London and a BEng in Bioengineering from the University of Sheffield. His career has included impactful work across corporate and public sectors, and he is recognized for his data-driven insight, stakeholder collaboration, and process innovation.
“We’re thrilled to have Joel join the team,” said Rob Denman, CEO of PACE. “His expertise in financial control and strategic forecasting aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable energy projects.”
For media inquiries, contact: press@pathfinderce.com
Planning Inspectorate approves Glebe Solar Farm after appeal by Pathfinder Clean Energy
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a UK-headquartered international developer of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects, has secured full planning permission for its 18MW Glebe Solar Farm in Norfolk, following a successful appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
The project had originally been recommended for approval by the local authority’s planning officers, but was refused by committee in August 2024. The Inspectorate’s decision to overturn the refusal underscores the robustness of PACE’s application and its consistency with both national energy goals and local planning policy.
"We are delighted with the Planning Inspectorate’s decision to approve Glebe Solar," said Rob Denman, Managing Director of PACE. "This outcome reflects our careful site selection and commitment to responsible development. We’ve worked hard to ensure this project brings tangible local benefits - from biodiversity improvements to climate action - with minimal disruption. We’re proud to support local and national decarbonisation goals in this way."
The use of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) agricultural land - a classification used to denote higher-grade soils - was the only issue cited by the committee in its refusal, however, PACE believes that energy security and food security are complementary goals - not competing ones. According to the government’s Food Security Report 2024, DEFRA’s agricultural land use statistics 2024 and the UK’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, the impact of ground-mounted solar on national food supply is negligible. This view was supported by the Planning Inspector, who acknowledged the UK’s strong food supply position:
“In terms of food security, the UK produces around 75% of what we consume, and this has been broadly stable for the past 20 years. The Government does not seek to increase food production and the remaining 25% of food is addressed through imported foods required to meet food choices for those out of season in the UK. This has allowed Defra to conclude that the UK has a large and highly resilient food supply chain. Moreover, the 2024 WMS identifies that the total area used for solar is very small and even the most ambitious scenarios would still occupy less than 1% of the UK’s agricultural land. This would therefore have a minimal total effect on food security concerns.”
Glebe Solar benefits from a near-term grid connection, and once built will generate approximately 25GWh of clean electricity each year, enough to meet the annual demand of around 8,550 homes, and will offset an estimated 5,775 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Pathfinder Clean Energy Secures Planning Permission for 28MWp Station Road Solar Farm in Norfolk
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a UK-headquartered international developer of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects, today announced it has secured full planning permission for a new 28MWp solar photovoltaic scheme near Tivetshall St Margaret in South Norfolk. The project, known as Station Road Solar, was approved by South Norfolk Council under delegated powers (an officer-level decision rather than by committee), underscoring the strong merits of PACE’s application and its alignment with local planning policy.
Once built, the 28MWp Station Road Solar farm will generate approximately 27.9 GWh of clean electricity each year, enough to meet the annual demand of around 9,000 homes, and will offset an estimated 6,500 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Biodiversity and community benefits have been at the forefront of the Station Road Solar proposal. Converting the land from intensive arable farming to a solar farm with wildflower meadows and pasture will deliver significant biodiversity net gain benefits.
"We are extremely pleased with this planning approval, which is a testament to our robust site selection and development strategy," said Rob Denman, Managing Director of PACE. "From day one we’ve worked closely with the local community and stakeholders to ensure Station Road Solar delivers lasting benefits with minimal disruption. The result is a project that will not only provide clean power to the local area, but also boost biodiversity and support South Norfolk’s net-zero ambitions while contributing to the UK’s broader climate targets."
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) Reaches 700MWp Milestone With Thurleigh Road Solar Submission
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), announced the submission of the Thurleigh Road Solar Farm planning application, marking a significant achievement in its UK development strategy.
With this latest submission, PACE UK has now reached over 700 megawatt peak (MWp) of distribution connected solar and storage projects at pre-construction or planning submitted stage — representing a major milestone in its mission to accelerate the UK’s clean energy transition.
“The submission of the Thurleigh Road Solar Farm is a further commitment to delivering high-quality, locally integrated clean energy projects that strengthen the UK’s energy resilience and reduce carbon emissions,” said Rob Denman, Managing Director of PACE Group.
“Reaching the 700 MWp mark through distributed distribution connected projects demonstrates both the maturity of our pipeline and our ability to execute at scale. Once all these assets are connected they could power the equivalent of 190,000 homes or a residential area similar in size to Reading or Southampton. This pipeline also includes the potential for over 450 MW of energy storage through primarily co-location to provide further flexibility and if required grid support such as grid forming”
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) secures £46m investment from RGREEN INVEST for expansion and construction of UK projects
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE Group) has secured a £46m investment via convertible bond from Paris-based investment house RGREEN INVEST to accelerate growth of its considerable UK development pipeline and commence construction of its leading UK projects.
PACE’s Belgium-based engineering team supported by UK project management will bring the assets into construction.
PACE has a global pipeline of over 3GW across UK, Canada, Poland and NZ.
Rob Denman, Managing Director at PACE said: “PACE is delighted to complete this investment from RGREEN INVEST that will solidify our position as a leader in the UK energy transition sector. The additional capital will immediately launch projects into construction across our solar and energy storage assets in the UK.
With strong commitment from the UK government for the net zero targets and the grid market reform coming to its conclusion, PACE’s experienced team with its advanced pipeline supported by RGREEN INVEST is in a leading position to materially contribute to meeting the government’s clean energy targets.”
“PACE looks forward to a long business partnership with RGREEN INVEST in the UK and potentially the other international markets in which we operate.”
PACE is presently developing and investing into clean energy projects in the UK, Canada, Poland and New Zealand and reviewing additional markets for expansion.
Nicolas Rochon, Founder & CEO of RGREEN INVEST: “This investment marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between RGREEN INVEST and PACE Group. Our capital will support the launch of construction on a new generation of solar and storage projects in the UK — strengthening the country’s energy independence and paving the way for future collaboration.”
About Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE)
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) - a clean energy developer and investor - was founded in 2017 and brings together some of the leading and most experienced figures in the clean energy sector. Its team of 32 people now operates across the UK, continental Europe, Canada and New Zealand, and backed by world-leading clean energy investors.
PACE brings together over 100 years and 5GW of clean energy experience with AI-integrated proprietary technology accelerating development and creating a platform for efficient inhouse 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 energy markets.
To find out more, visit www.pathfinderce.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
ABOUT RGREEN INVEST
RGREEN INVEST is a Paris based investment management company, with over fifteen years’ experience financing the energy transition. B Corp-certified, and a mission-driven company, RGREEN INVEST brings European entrepreneurs in the industry a comprehensive tailored range of financial solutions, in both equity and debt, to support their growth.
RGREEN INVEST's purpose is to accelerate the energy transition, strengthen energy sovereignty and independence, and mitigate climate change while fostering adaptation.
With 50 specialized and experienced professionals, RGREEN INVEST has already supported over 3,000 projects mainly in Europe amounting to more than 3.3 billion euros managed since inception.
To find out more, visit www.rgreeninvest.com and follow us on LinkedIn.