Helicopter manufacturer Leonardo has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Conrad Energy in the UK.
Under the agreement, Leonardo’s site in Yeovil will receive 100% green energy from the Camp Road solar farm.
The project recently received planning permission from Somerset Council and construction is anticipated to begin later this year.
Once fully operational, the new 11.25MW solar farm will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of up to 6500 homes.
The 20-year lifespan of the PPA will deliver a saving of around 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Conrad Energy chief executive Tony O’Carroll said: “Yeovil is an incredibly important site.
“We’re delighted to have solved a decarbonisation and green energy supply challenge, whilst also working to fulfil the aims of the local council.
“Long-term initiatives that ensure positive community and biodiversity impact are integral to the way we work.
“We’re thrilled to have secured planning consent and look forward to bringing this solar farm to life for the benefit of Leonardo in Yeovil, the local economy and the environment.”
Paul Coombs, vice president of facilities, real estate and infrastructure at Leonardo, has overseen the solar farm project since its inception.
He said: “The signing of the 20-year PPA represents the culmination of many months of hard work and negotiation.
“Bringing clean energy into the Yeovil site is another significant step in our pursuit of net zero, while sustaining a reliable source of green energy for our business.
“This aligns with our sense of responsibility in minimising our environmental impact.”
Picture: Philip Silk (Conrad Energy), Paul Coombs (Leonardo), Mairead O’Donnell (Leonardo) and Mike Denman (Conrad Energy)
