Bill Esterson, Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom and Labour MP for Sefton Central and Chair of the Net Zero Select Committee, recently visited the Port of Liverpool to review the development of its expansive rooftop solar project.
This joint initiative between E.ON and Peel Ports Group involves installing 63,000 solar panels at the Merseyside port, aiming to generate up to 31 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy.
This output is projected to cover approximately 25% of the port’s annual electricity needs, cutting CO2 emissions by 6,500 tonnes each year—equivalent to removing over 2,250 cars from the road.
“This partnership with Peel Ports Group and the work being carried out here marks a significant milestone in revolutionising the way we generate and use energy across the UK. The sheer scale of this project is a best-case example of what is possible for UK renewables, and demonstrates how we could be energising other commercial facilities and even communities with sustainable and reliable energy for the future,” stated Simon Duncan, Director of E.ON Infrastructure Services UK.
Notably, E.ON is prioritizing local contractors for the installation and maintenance of the solar array, extending these local partnerships over the project’s 25-year lifespan.
During the visit, Esterson was briefed on an upcoming venture where E.ON will support Peel Ports in upgrading the current wind turbines along the River Mersey to fewer, larger models, positioning the port to operate entirely on renewable energy.
Representatives from E.ON and Peel Ports Group accompanied Esterson, guiding him through the site and updating him on the project’s progress, which is on track for completion in 2026.
“I am delighted that the Port of Liverpool is setting such a shining example to other businesses looking to cut carbon emissions, as the UK strives to meet our net-zero ambitions. Such local initiatives not only contribute to our national energy security but crucially, empower local communities by creating a decentralised, resilient energy system and securing green jobs,” commented Bill Esterson.
