Pathfinder Clean Energy obtains planning approval for 27 MW Apple Tree solar and energy storage park
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a UK-headquartered international developer of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects, has obtained planning approval for Apple Tree Solar and BESS park located near Wisset in Suffolk.
Rob Denman, Managing Director at PACE, stated, “PACE UK is delighted to have obtained planning permission after considerable and lengthy consultation with the community. This project will deliver reliable, sustainable and affordable energy across East Suffolk– generating the equivalent power for 10,500 homes every year. It will also provide significant benefits to local biodiversity, including an uplift of over 125% for habitats”.
Bram Claeys joins PACE to head market-leading internal construction team
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) is pleased to announce the appointment of industry leader Bram Claeys to head its internal construction team. This strategic move reinforces PACE’s commitment to advancing its projects seamlessly from development to construction, minimizing interface risks and maintaining project momentum.
With PACE’s UK pipeline now exceeding 2GW, and the need to accelerate asset connections amid ongoing grid and market reforms, the establishment of this internal team marks a significant step in optimizing project execution. The team brings over 250MWp of UK construction experience.
In addition to Bram Claeys, the internal construction team includes:
- Nancy Kets – Lead Purchaser
- Tijs Behaeghe – Lead Project Manager
- Tom Callewaert – Lead Engineer
- Dwight Grymonprez – BESS Engineer
- Mathieu Michiels – Solar Engineer
- Eddy Gyselinck – Technical Site Manager
Bram Claeys, Construction and Business Development Director at PACE, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the company:
“I am delighted to lead the establishment of a market-leading internal construction team at PACE. With an extensive pipeline of over 3GW across the UK and international markets, and more than 100MW of solar and 200MWh of energy storage set to enter construction in 2025, PACE is transforming how clean energy assets are brought into operation. Our team brings over 100 years of collective UK solar experience, and we look forward to leveraging our expertise to drive PACE’s projects forward.”
Rob Denman, Managing Director of Pathfinder Clean Energy, emphasized the importance of this initiative:
“As markets continue to operate at higher costs of capital than the industry has been accustomed to, we must explore all avenues for efficiency and innovation in our clean energy projects. We are thrilled to welcome Bram and the internal construction team to PACE, allowing us to minimize time and cost losses between development and construction through integrating market-leading construction expertise. This will enable us to control and innovate designs, technologies, and project off-takes, ultimately enhancing project performance.”
More details on open vacancies will be announced soon.
For more information about joining or working with PACE, please contact: careers@pathfinderce.com.
Pathfinder Clean Energy commences development of Elvington Solar - a 49MW solar farm, co-located with BESS in Kent, UK
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a UK-headquartered international developer of utility scale solar and battery storage projects, has advanced development of its latest project - Elvington Solar and BESS - a 49MW solar project co-located with battery energy storage near Nonnington, Kent.
The proposed ground-mounted scheme, known as Elvington Solar, would generate enough power for nearly 24,000 homes each year or the CO2 emissions equivalent of removing over 13,000 passenger vehicles from the road. The proposals also include 49.5MW of battery energy storage.
Rob Denman, Managing Director at PACE said, “Elvington Solar showcases our collaborative approach to renewable development, incorporating significant layout amendments following input from external advisers including both Landscape and Archeology as well as the local community following a successful consultation event. PACE is advancing various co-located solar and energy storage projects across the UK and its international markets and is delighted to bring forward the Elvington project”
Pathfinder Clean Energy submits 20MW Station Road solar project into planning in Norfolk, UK
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a UK-headquartered international developer of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects, has submitted a planning application for its latest project, - a 20MW solar project located near Tivetshall, Norfolk, UK.
The proposed scheme, known as Station Road, will generate enough energy to meet the demands of approximately 9,000 homes each year or the CO2 emissions equivalent of removing over 6,500 tonnes of CO2 per year. Beyond its contribution to fighting climate change, Station Road Solar will also help reverse biodiversity and habitat loss that is plaguing the country by providing a Biodiversity Net Gain gain in excess of the 10% that is mandated for new developments. The design of the site allows for continued grazing, further reducing its impact on agricultural land.
Rob Denman, Managing Director at PACE said, “We are delighted that our latest project - Station Road Solar - has been submitted into planning. We are committed to developing and constructing flexible clean energy generation which the UK and the wider international market requires. Projects such as Station Road help the UK meet its legally-binding net-zero goals, but also improve energy security and help reduce energy bills at a time when costs are at the front of everyone’s mind. We’ve worked hard to identify a site that is both deliverable and developable per the government’s renewable energy policies and Station Road very clearly meets those criteria’.
Our focus is on innovating how and where we can deliver clean power to the markets we serve. Being able to power local industries and create clean products is increasingly important, as it ensures that the power is used close to where it is generated. This project offers a unique opportunity with industrial energy users nearby who may be seeking a local supply of affordable, clean power—power which we can provide from the Station Road solar project.”
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) Submits Planning for 100MW Battery Energy Storage Project in Warwickshire, UK
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a UK-headquartered international developer of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects, has submitted a planning application for its latest project - a 100MW battery energy storage system located east of Birmingham, UK.
The proposed battery scheme, known as Seeney BESS, is designed to store enough energy to meet the demands of approximately 230,000 homes for up to four hours. This project aims to accelerate the transition to clean energy, enhance grid stability, and provide essential backup during periods of high demand.
Rob Denman, Managing Director at PACE, commented: "North Warwickshire Council has declared a climate emergency and recognizes the importance of reducing the carbon footprint of its operations and services. Seeney BESS will play a vital role in achieving both local and national net-zero targets by providing critical flexibility to the energy system. PACE is pleased with the positive community engagement and consultations we have conducted. As with all our projects, we are committed to delivering significant biodiversity gains, addressing the nation’s intertwined challenges of climate change, energy security, and biodiversity loss."
Denman added: "PACE welcomes the leadership and support shown by the UK Government in advancing the rollout of clean energy. We are proud to progress this project to the planning stage"
Pathfinder Clean Energy submits 49MW Paulton co-located solar and energy storage project into planning in Somerset, UK
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a UK-headquartered international developer of utility scale solar and battery storage projects, has recently submitted a planning application for a 9.2MW solar and 49.5MW co-located storage development near Paulton, Somerset.
The proposed ground-mounted scheme, known as Paulton Solar, would generate enough power for around 3,432 homes each year.
Rob Denman Managing Director at PACE said, “Although the national target for net zero is 2050, Bath and North East Somerset Council should be commended for declaring a Climate Emergency in 2019 and have set out ambitions to generate 300MW of renewable energy to meet the council’s aim for the area to achieve net zero by 2030.
Although many projects around the country are experiencing connection timescales of up to 10-12 years, Welton Hill Solar could play a key role in the area's renewable energy generation targets before 2030 as the project has secured an immediate-term grid connection.
“We engaged early with the Bath and North East Somerset Council through seeking pre-application advice helping to steer and shape the development. Hedgerows, field margins and trees will remain largely unaffected and therefore habitats for bats and many species of birds will not be disturbed, and will be improved through appropriate management.”
PACE now has more than 1.5GW of solar capacity in the UK in various stages of the development process and almost 300MWp fully permitted or submitted into planning.
Iris Schütt joins PACE UK as Legal Associate
Pathfinder Clean Energy’s UK team is growing with Iris Schütt joining as Legal Associate to support our legal operations as we expand our operations, both in the UK and internationally, while exploring new markets and technologies.
Iris brings extensive experience in legal compliance, commercial contracts and regulatory research to the team. Her background and skills will play a key role in assisting PACE Group to continue in the advancement of its agreements across projects, construction and investment.
Rob Denman, Managing Director of Pathfinder Clean Energy, said, “We are delighted to welcome Iris to the PACE team. She brings a wealth of knowledge in international public and environmental law, and her skills will be pivotal in supporting our legal framework as we continue our expansion. Iris’ experience will help ensure our legal agreements are structured for success as we enter new geographies and develop innovative energy solutions.”
For more information on joining PACE or working with PACE please email: careers@pathfinderce.com
PACE Canada obtains AUC approval for 9 MW Valhalla solar project in Viking, Alberta
PACE Canada is delighted to announce the Alberta Utilities Commission has permitted its Valhalla 9MW project in the town of Viking, Alberta, Canada.
Valhalla is one of PACE Canada's seven rural urban-based projects in its development portfolio.
Claude Mindorff, Director of Development Strategy for PACE Canada, said, "These projects create opportunities to use existing distribution infrastructure while bolstering Alberta's struggling rural economies".
"The project was delayed due to the moratorium. However, looking forward, by this time next year, Viking will realize the environmental, economic and social benefits of more renewable energy in its community."
The 9MW projects will be built on the Town's Waste Transfer Station lands, a location well suited to surrounding land characteristics. The Town of Viking is no stranger to renewables. In 2020, the Town launched a 1.05 MW grid project, thanks in part to funding from the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre.
PACE Canada is aiming to further enhance the site by coupling a battery energy storage system with the consented solar project.
Callum Wright joins PACE UK as Planning Manager
Pathfinder Clean Energy’s UK team is growing with Callum Wright joining as UK Planning Manager to manage the planning process for clean energy projects in the UK.
Callum brings extensive planning experience to the team to assist PACE UK to continue to advance its current and new projects across the energy transition sector.
Rob Denman, Managing Director of Pathfinder Clean Energy, said, “PACE UK now has over 2GW of clean energy projects in development in the UK. With the increasing complexities of how we co-locate solar with energy storage, wind and potentially wider synergies with data-centres, vertical farms, green hydrogen or other technologies we are delighted Callum has agreed to join us. The challenge of bringing clean energy quickly and efficiently to the UK and our wider international markets has never been more important and bringing additional skills inhouse enables us to continue to bring best-in-class projects through to operation."
For more information on joining PACE or working with PACE please email: careers@pathfinderce.com
Pathfinder Clean Energy commences development of Station Road solar - a 15 MW solar project in Norfolk
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a UK-headquartered international developer of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects, has initiated the development and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening for its latest project: Station Road. This new 15MW solar project is located near Tivetshall in Norfolk.
Rob Denman, Managing Director at PACE, stated, “PACE UK is thrilled to be advancing this project through the development process. Our focus is on innovating how and where we can deliver clean power to the markets we serve. Being able to power local industries and create clean products is increasingly important, as it ensures that the power is used close to where it is generated. This project offers a unique opportunity with industrial energy users nearby who may be seeking a local supply of affordable, clean power—power which we can provide from the Station Road solar project.”