Corporate PPA funds new solar at Leicestershire brick manufacturer

PV developer Lightsource BP is to construct a 4.9MWp solar installation at Ibstock Brick’s Leicestershire headquarters for leading brick manufacturer, Ibstock Brick.

The site is fully funded by Lightsource BP and a power purchase agreement (PPA)  will see electricity from the installation ‘hard-wired’ into Ibstock Brick’s private electricity network, providing 30% of the site’s annual electricity demand.

Ibstock Brick will purchase the electricity generated from the installation via a 25-year agreement at a fixed rate, delivering operational savings as well as sustainable benefits. Lightsource BP will operate the site over the full life-cycle of the project.

Loightsource said the collaboration has resulted in the two businesses forging a strong relationship and both parties will continue to work together to potentially develop solar solutions across Ibstock Brick’s other manufacturing plants across the UK.

Zosia Riesner, Lightsource’s head of corporate PPA, said: “Our solar farms provide our customers with a reliable source of renewable energy whilst reducing their carbon footprint and electricity bills.  In our mission to drive the global energy transition landscape, our PPAs provide a risk-free, tailored solution that allows business to buy renewable energy competitively.”

Ibstock Brick uses renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint and reliance on the national grid. Continuous improvement and sustainability director, Mark Brind said, “As a company, and across Ibstock plc, we recognise the importance of being a sustainable business. This agreement with Lightsource BP forms part of our multi-dimensional approach in our drive to reach our sustainability targets. What made it particularly attractive was the biodiversity enhancement plan supporting the construction and the fact that the land could be used for both solar and agricultural use.”

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