Re-CO2gnition’s origination helps instigate CIP’s £250million investment to make Elgin Energy an IPP
Re-CO2gnition helped instigate the multi million pound investment from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) in Elgin Energy, by originating the development of Elgin Energy’s largest solar farm development to date.
CIP acquired a majority stake in Irish solar developer Elgin Energy early in 2024, subsequent to Re-CO2gnition originating and developing their largest Solar Farm since 2021 as an independent development agent. CIP and Elgin’s management have jointly invested GBP 250 million ($316.8 million) in Elgin, enabling the company to become an IPP and a fully integrated solar and storage company.
https://www.elgin.com/news/copenhagen-infrastructure-partners-acquires-majority-stake-in-elgin
Project West Grimsby – 300MW solar farm plus BESS.
Abstract2Construct‘s origination and co-development of a 300MWplus solar farm with BESS for Elgin Energy
The 300MW plus Solar farm development in West Grimsby which Re-CO2gnition originated and helped Elgin develop is one of the largest solar farms in England currently going through planning. The large MW size requires large investment to fund the development, therefore the origination and progress of the development has helped instigate a £250m pound investment from the Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners capital fund to fund the project as Elgin’s largest solar farm development to date and help Elgin become one of the largest and leading Independent Power Producers (IPP) in England.
West Grimsby – Site Map. 1,103 acres Proposed Site: 660 acres • Further, more detailed, studies have also been requested The potential site has been identified and assessed according to the following Planning Feasibility Criteria;
- Land Grade
- Ecology
- Landscape and Visual Impact
- Historical Designations
West Grimsby – Desktop Feasibility (Planning)
Desktop Planning Feasibility Assessment
- Landscape and Visual Impact Topography is relatively flat with the slope increasing slowly south. There seems to be existing hedgerows and trees along some roads around the site, this provides adequate screening of the site which is favourable to solar development. More hedgerows could be planted in the area along the road of the site to provide more coverage if needed. Notwithstanding this, there may be still areas of visibility of the site along some of the adjacent roads and in the surrounding area. A site walkover would be welcomed to better understand the impact of this.
- Ecology Brocklesby Park can be found in the vicinity of the Farm. However, any solar farm will not require the removal of woodlands and it is unlikely that the solar farm will have any adverse effects on them. There are a few scheduled monuments and a SSSI (Swallow Wold) sites located roughly less than 2km from the estate boundary. It is unlikely that a solar farm will have any adverse effects on this designation, but a full ecological survey will be required to confirm. The Lincolnshire Wolds (AONB) is located about 2km away from the estate boundary. As the previous designations, it is unlikely the solar farm will have a negative impacts in it. Nevertheless, an ecological survey will be necessary.
West Grimsby – Landholding Feasibility
Desktop Planning Feasibility Assessment • Land Grade Grade 3b, 4 or 5 land is generally considered to be suitable for solar. Grade 1, along with Grade 2 and 3a land is considered ‘Best and Most Versatile land’ and is typically protected from development. The land at West Grimsby is all Grade 2 land. • Flood Risk Initially, there does not seem to be any flooding in or around the proposed site. The solar development shall be designed to mitigate any impact from flood risk. • Conclusions Lands identified appear suitable for development as a solar farm. A site visit is recommended to confirm desktop assessment and identify the most suitable acres for development.
Proposal – Next Steps
- Acceptance of grid offer from Northern Power Grid (DNO)
- Arrange title searches and negotiate agreements with Landowner and Landowner’s agent, and solicitors.
- Engage with statutory consultees.
- Undertake necessary surveys of proposed lands.
