Pathfinder Clean Energy commences development on Goodrest BESS - a 49.5MW BESS in the East Midlands, UK
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a UK-headquartered international developer of utility scale solar and battery storage projects, has commenced the development and EIA screening for its latest project - Goodrest BESS - a 49.5MW battery energy storage project near Birmingham.
Rob Denman, Managing Director at PACE said, “PACE UK is delighted to be advancing this project through the development process as the new labour government also provides positive support on clean energy development.
As with all our projects, we will be seeking significant biodiversity gains to tackle the country’s combined challenges of climate change, energy security and species decline. The full planning application is expected to be submitted in Autumn 2024.”
Pathfinder Clean Energy commences development on Copston Magna Solar - a 49.5MW solar farm, co-located with BESS in the East Midlands, UK
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a UK-headquartered international developer of utility scale solar and battery storage projects, has commenced the development and EIA screening for its latest project - Copston Magna Solar - a 49.5MW solar project co-located with battery energy storage near Coventry.
The proposed ground-mounted scheme, known as Copston Magna, would generate enough power for over 22,500 homes each year or the CO2 emissions equivalent of removing over 12,520 passenger vehicles from the road. The proposals also include 49.5MW of battery energy storage.
Rob Denman, Managing Director at PACE said, “This project will build on PACE’s recent successes, including the 50MW Tophams Solar Farm approved earlier this month. Copston Magna solar will supply clean renewable energy to the local area while its batteries will ensure this energy is available when it is most needed. As with all our projects, we will be seeking significant biodiversity gains to tackle the country’s combined challenges of climate change, energy security and species decline. The full planning application is expected to be submitted in Autumn 2024.”
Pathfinder Clean Energy obtains approval for Tophams 50 MWp solar and energy storage farm in Hertfordshire, UK
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a UK-headquartered international developer of utility scale solar and battery storage projects, has obtained approval for Tophams 50 MWp solar farm in the UK. The scheme which is located in North Hertfordshire 13 miles north-east of Stevenage will also include energy storage of up to 8MW.
The solar farm in Hertfordshire will cover approximately 60 hectares, and will generate enough energy to power over 17,000 homes. The project will also include energy storage so that the project can provide additional services to the grid and improve the flexibility and control of the energy it creates.
Rob Denman, Managing Director of Pathfinder Clean Energy said: “Bringing viable clean energy projects through the permitting system in the UK and in the other markets where we are active is not a quick process and we have been working with planning officers, specialist consultees and the community to create the best possible scheme for over two years. We have worked hard to sensitively balance local requirements, benefits and the national need.
“Our renewable energy projects form part of the effort to combat climate change, and they are a low cost and low impact way to help power the countries in which we operate. The Tophams project, alongside our other schemes, will bring our pipeline of UK solar projects to over 300MW in late stage development or ready to construct, and these should enter operation within the next 1-2 years. Where possible, many of these projects will be co-located with energy storage to provide the flexibility that the energy system requires.”
PACE Canada commences development of 15MW Solar/ 3MW Storage colocated project in Bassano, Alberta
PACE Canada LP, a developer of utility-scale solar and battery storage projects focused in Alberta, has launched the planning process for its latest 15MW solar project with an additional 3MW battery storage in Bassano.
The project will generate enough power for around 2,800 homes annually and close to 400,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions over its lifetime. This is equivalent to the average carbon sequestration of 7 million trees grown over a decade. Beyond its contribution to fighting climate change, the project will contribute approximately $300,000 CAD annually in sustainable property tax revenue, much-needed funds that will help support Alberta’s struggling rural communities.
Rob Denman, President of PACE Canada and Managing Director at PACE Group, said, “We are delighted that our latest Canadian project has been launched.. Our Bassano project is part of our 2GW Canada pipeline and will make a material contribution towards the country’s net-zero goals, improve energy security, and reduce energy bills at a time when costs are at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
The Bassano project in Alberta will also integrate agrivoltaics, an innovative and sustainable land use approach that enables us to bring clean energy to the market while combining this with the province’s growing need for food production and water conservation."
PACE appoints new Investment Director to support its UK and international operations
Pathfinder Clean Energy’s team is growing with Julia Izabela Morant joining as Investment Director while we advance our lead assets into construction in the UK and Canada and expand further into new technologies and markets.
Julia has built extensive experience in the energy transition sector which complements our existing team. She will help us drive forward our current 4GW international portfolio of solar and energy storage projects which will materially contribute to creating an impact in the fight against climate change.
Rob Denman, Managing Director of Pathfinder Clean Energy said "PACE is delighted to welcome Julia as she brings her extensive knowledge, skills and experience to our team. Julia has worked at some of the most recognised businesses in global clean energy including Statkraft, Lightsource, IBVogt and now joins PACE at this exciting time in our growth to support our move to an integrated and end-to-end business model from development to operational innovation. Julia will also lead the expansion of our operations in Poland and assist in other new markets’.
There's never been a more exciting time to join us as we tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by the energy transition.
For more information on joining PACE or working with PACE please email: careers@pathfinderce.com
PACE appoints new Financial Accountant to support its UK and international expansion
PACE’s finance team continues to grow with the appointment of Pasquale Falzarano as Financial Accountant based out of London.
Pasquale will work as part of the accounts and finance team on the UK and international markets as the solar and energy storage project pipeline continues to grow and some assets move from development into construction and operation.
Pasquale is ACA qualified and brings experience of working for leading accounting firm PwC
Rob Denman, Managing Director of Pathfinder Clean Energy said: “As we lead the energy transition across our markets we are delighted to welcome Pasquale onto the PACE team. He will play a crucial role as we manage our development pipelines and the financing of these projects into construction and operation”.
PACE has various open roles for passionate people who can bring benefits to the company and the sector and these can be found via the PACE website.
Pasquale will be based out of London, UK.
Mark Kelly joins PACE UK as UK Development Director
Pathfinder Clean Energy’s UK team is growing with Mark Kelly joining as UK Development Director to lead the origination and development of new and existing clean energy projects in the UK.
Mark brings extensive experience in the energy transition sector to our team based in London, UK, aiming to drive forward our current 2GW UK portfolio of solar and energy storage. His role involves managing the development and spearheading innovation within our existing and upcoming UK projects as we navigate the expanding market landscape.
Rob Denman, Managing Director of Pathfinder Clean Energy, expressed his enthusiasm about Mark joining the team, highlighting his leadership and expertise in clean energy. Rob stated, "PACE is thrilled to welcome Mark aboard as he contributes his skills and experience to our home market. As a frontrunner in the UK's energy transition, we're excited to have Mark on board as we progress our 2GW pipeline from development to operation. With the integration of solar and energy storage projects into the grid, alongside our commitment to innovation through co-location with new and emerging technologies, there's never been a more exciting time to join us as we tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by the energy transition and the fight against climate change."
For more information on joining PACE or working with PACE please email: careers@pathfinderce.com
UK Development Director, PACE UK
Based in London, United Kingdom
With over 15 years of international clean energy experience, Mark boasts a proven track record earned from renowned global energy companies. His proficiency spans the entire development cycle, from liaising with landowners, through building out sites to securing offtake agreements. Mark's expertise and energy will enable PACE UK to deliver its pipeline whilst capitalising on new and innovative approaches. Holding a bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering and PRINCE2 practitioner qualification further solidifying his qualifications for the role.
Deron Motha joins PACE UK as Design Engineer
Pathfinder Clean Energy’s UK team is delighted to announce the addition of Deron Motha to our team as Design Engineer at PACE UK. Deron, a recent graduate of the University of Bristol, brings his expertise to bolster our inhouse team in designing, developing, and constructing clean energy projects both in the UK and across our international portfolio.
Rob Denman, Managing Director of Pathfinder Clean Energy, said: “We are committed to attracting top talent to our industry, and we are thrilled to welcome Deron aboard to help us navigate the complexities of project development and construction. His contributions will undoubtedly enhance our ability to deliver excellence across our projects.
For more information on joining PACE or working with PACE please email: careers@pathfinderce.com
Pathfinder Clean Energy UK submits 49MW co-located solar and energy storage project into planning
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a UK-headquartered international developer of utility scale solar and battery storage projects, has submitted its latest co-located project with a capacity of 49.9MW of solar and an additional 30MW of battery storage.
The proposed ground-mounted scheme, known as Tydd Solar is located in Lincolnshire. It will generate enough power for around 22,300 homes each year, or the CO2 emissions equivalent of removing over 10,000 passenger vehicles from the road. Beyond its contribution to fighting climate change, Tydd Solar will also help reverse biodiversity and habitat loss 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 co-located project - Tydd Solar and ESS - 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 Tydd 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 Tydd very clearly meets those criteria’.
‘With PACE Group’s UK and international teams and also our solar and energy storage pipelines increasing then 2024 has started strongly and is all set to continue this way’.
Pathfinder Clean Energy UK awarded planning approval for 69MW BESS project
Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a UK-headquartered international developer of utility scale solar and battery storage projects is delighted to announce the planning approval of its largest Battery and Energy Storage (BESS) project to date - with a first phase intended to be 69MW/138MWh.
The scheme, known as Thurleigh Road Energy Storage System (ESS), will provide important grid balancing services to support the UK’s transition to a renewable energy system. The site is located close to the Twinwoods industrial park in Bedfordshire and has been carefully chosen to be well away from residential properties. It is already well screened and the proposals also include new native hedges, which will provide habitats for local species.
Rob Denman, Managing Director of PACE said, ‘PACE is delighted to announce planning approval for the Thurleigh Road ESS Park. This follows closely on the announcement of our permitting approval of our Grange 70MWp project at the end of 2023’.
Rob said, ‘Energy storage will play a substantial role in the route to Net-Zero and this project complements our various solar generation and solar+storage co-located projects in the UK and internationally. We continue to evaluate ways we can optimise our projects with the addition of new and existing technologies including solar, wind, green hydrogen but this is an exciting project that can connect as soon as constructed and make a contribution to the fight against climate change. This project we anticipate will be initially a 69MW/138MWh project’'.