The local Member of Parliament has visited the Port of Liverpool for a first hand look at what will be the UK’s largest roof mounted solar system. Bill Esterson, from the ruling Labour Party, and the MP for Sefton Central, the Liverpool constituency just north of the docks, has seen the work in progress. Bill is also chair of the Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee, a cross-party oversight panel in the UK parliament. The politician was joined by representatives from the energy supply company E.ON and Peel Ports Group, who conducted a tour of the site. Completion of the array is planned for in 2026.

Bill Esterson MP, visited the Port of Liverpool to see for himself progress on the development of the roof-mounted solar array. The project between E.ON and Peel Ports Group involves the installation of 63,000 solar panels at the Merseyside port. The solar panels will generate up to 31MW of renewable energy. That’s around 25% of the Port’s annual electricity needs. It should save 6,500 tonnes of CO2e per year, which, says the port operator, is the equivalent of more than 2,250 cars taken off the roads.

Energising other commercial facilities

Solar is not the only renewable at the port. As part of the visit, Bill was also briefed on a future project which will see E.ON support Peel Ports in repowering the existing wind turbines on the banks of the River Mersey. The wind farm will be refitted with fewer, larger turbines, allowing the port to operate entirely off its own renewable energy. “We always welcome the opportunity to showcase our solutions and we are proud of the progress we are making here in the Port of Liverpool, “ said Simon Duncan, Director of E.ON Infrastructure Services UK.

E.ON say their partnership with Peel Ports Group will “revolutionise” the way that they generate 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,” said Simon Duncan.

Long term local business involvement

The project has committed to using local contractors where possible. Local companies will be involved in the ongoing upkeep for 25 years. “The Port of Liverpool is setting a shining example to other businesses looking to cut carbon emissions, as the UK strives to meet our net-zero ambitions,” said Bill Esterson. “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.”

Speaking for Peel Ports Group, Lewis McIntyre, their Managing Director of Port Services said the company was making strides toward a goal of becoming a carbon-neutral port operator by 2040. “These transformative solar and wind energy projects are positioning the Port of Liverpool at the forefront of the transition to cleaner, renewable energy. Significantly reducing our emissions contributes to a more sustainable future for our industry and communities.”