Peel Ports Group, the UK’s second-largest port operator, has partnered with E.ON to achieve its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.
The initiative begins with the installation of the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar energy system at the Port of Liverpool, followed by repowering the existing wind turbines along the banks of the River Mersey with fewer, larger turbines.
This marks the initial phase of a 25-year plan of the two companies aiming to reduce emissions. The plan involves installing up to 63,000 solar panels across 26 buildings at the Port of Liverpool, generating renewable electricity equivalent to the needs of over 10,000 UK homes annually.
The solar array is anticipated to provide up to 25% of the Port’s yearly electricity requirements, cutting CO2e emissions by over 6,500 tonnes per year, equivalent to removing more than 2,250 cars from the road.
“We’re proud to be embarking on this long-term partnership with E.ON and to be undertaking this important project together, revolutionising the Port of Liverpool’s energy system. Ports of the future need to become more sustainable environments and we must play our part in a greener supply chain. There is still work to do, but this project is a huge step for Peel Ports Group in cutting emissions and driving our ambition to become a net-zero port operator by 2040,” stated Claudio Veritiero, CEO of Peel Ports Group.
The project will be contained within the Port’s existing footprint to minimize disruption, utilizing available roof space and transporting equipment and technology by sea to avoid impacting local roads. Over 6,000 solar panels have already been delivered for installation in the new Alexandra Dock warehouse.
E.ON is financing and executing the solar panel project, expected to be completed by mid-2026, and is committed to engaging local contractors and companies for maintenance over the next 25 years.
The next phase includes the replacement of five existing wind turbines with four larger ones, aimed at achieving the goal of powering the Port of Liverpool entirely with on-site renewable energy, including during periods of low solar generation. This phase is targeted to commence around 2027/28, following planning consent and community consultation.
“The Port of Liverpool is a critical piece of infrastructure for the UK and decarbonising sites like this will be vital for the UK to achieve its environmental goals. Simply put, we all need to move faster on reducing emissions and this huge project will be a massive step in the right direction,” said Chris Norbury, E.ON UK CEO.
The announcement underscores Peel Ports’ dedication to achieving a net-zero future, with over US$.2 billion invested in sustainable infrastructure over the past decade. The focus has been on reducing emissions linked to its operations.
EMTEC, FES, Absolute Solar and Cogeo serve as planning coordinators and constitute key contributors to the project.
