The offshore wind industry is not just a cornerstone of the UK’s transition to clean energy – it’s the driving force behind the nation’s push towards a sustainable future. As the global race for offshore wind capacity intensifies, deep-water quays like Steel River Quay are essential to ensuring the UK maintains its competitive edge in renewable energy. Teesworks, the UK’s largest Freeport and hub for the sustainable industry, is at the forefront of the nation’s clean energy revolution. Central to its success and situated in the North East of England is Steel River Quay – a unique quay with deep-water capabilities and purpose-built to support the rapid expansion of the offshore wind sector. Strategic importance One of the key bottlenecks in offshore wind expansion is the availability of technically suitable and well-connected Freeport. The deployment of offshore wind turbines requires quays with deep water access, extensive storage and heavy-lift capabilities to handle and store large monopiles, turbines and other vital components. England’s east coast has a limited number of deep-water ports capable of handling offshore wind infrastructure at scale. This is where Steel River Quay, part of the Teesworks site, comes into its own. The product of a two-year build and around £114m of investment, Steel River Quay is equipped to address the challenges of the offshore wind industry head-on. Offering a depth of at least 13.6 metres at any state of the tide and 450 metres long, it can accommodate two of the largest offshore wind installation vessels simultaneously. The quay’s heavy-lift platform, rated at 30 tonnes per square metre, ensures it can support the demands of the industry’s biggest players. A deep-water quay is just one of the ingredients needed for success in the offshore renewable energy sector – while it offers the opportunity for loading and unloading at speed, what happens to those components while they are not on board ship? Large-scale, secure storage is crucial to offshore wind operators in order to reduce ship journey numbers and hence keep costs down. Garry O’Malley, Chairman at Steel River Quay, said: “Steel River Quay is a standout facility and unique to the East coast of England. Not just for its deep-water capabilities and heavy lift technology but its expansive storage areas and access to an additional 500 acres of land via the South Bank Link Road. “The quay will be a major strategic facility for the North Sea offshore wind industry over the next few decades.” The quay to the UK’s biggest offshore wind projects While Steel River Quay was only completed in spring 2024, it is already making its presence felt with involvement in some of the UK’s biggest offshore wind projects. The quay’s deep-water capabilities and vast storage space provide an essential marshalling point for turbine components for the Dogger Bank Wind Farm – the world’s largest offshore wind farm currently under construction – before they are transported to their final installation sites in the North Sea. Additionally, the quay has also started taking deliveries for what will be the world’s largest monopile manufacturing facility – the giant £950m SeAH Wind factory nearing completion on the Teesworks site. The deep-water facilities, storage and related infrastructure on Teesworks were crucial components in the decision by SeAH to locate their 810-metre-long facility at the site, recently visited by His Royal Highness King Charles III. Teesworks will also play a significant role in the development of the £8.5bn Hornsea 3 offshore wind farm. Set to deliver enough green energy to power more than 3 million UK homes, Hornsea 3 will be making a significant contribution toward UK energy security, as well the local and national economy. As one of the UK’s most significant renewable energy projects, Hornsea 3 will require large-scale steel fabrication to support its offshore wind turbines. To assist with this, Hornsea 3 project developer Ørsted and steel contractor Severfield are establishing a steel fabricating facility at Teesworks for Hornsea 3. Severfield, a market leader in structural steel, is leveraging Teesworks’ strategic location, deep-water access and logistics network to construct key components for this transformative project. The multiplier effect While major occupiers and large-scale projects have grabbed the headlines at the Teesworks site, the development is also making its presence felt further down the supply chain. Planning permission was recently secured for more than 40 hybrid commercial units to be built on the Teesworks site near to the SeAH Wind factory. These units will be rented out to local SMEs, including those in the renewable energy and related sectors, a number of whom are likely to service the needs of large occupiers on the Teesworks site such as SeAH Wind. Chris Musgrave OBE, Teesworks Ltd chairman, explains: “We know how important small businesses are to building the bedrock of the local economy, creating jobs and driving prosperity which is why we always wanted to involve SMEs literally on the ground at Teesworks. “We’re keen to make a start on building those units as soon as possible so we’ll be getting on site as soon as we can and creating the spaces for new and existing businesses to set up and grow.” Powering the clean energy future By providing the essential infrastructure needed to support the next generation of offshore wind farms, Teesworks is not just supporting its investors and tenants—it is helping to power the UK’s clean energy future. Steel River Quay and Teesworks’ infrastructure are key to scaling up the UK’s offshore wind ambitions and meeting net-zero targets. As offshore wind continues to expand, facilities like Steel River Quay will be the backbone of the industry, ensuring a greener, more sustainable landscape for generations to come. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Multiplex has energised a 10MWp solar farm in Norfolk, marking a major milestone in its commitment to reducing carbon emissions across its London construction projects. The Northwold Solar PV generating station, developed in partnership with Ampyr Solar Europe (ASE), is now fully connected to the grid. This follows years of planning and a power purchase agreement (PPA) signed in November 2023, making Multiplex the first UK contractor to operate its own dedicated solar farm. From April 2025, green energy offset under the PPA will power four of Multiplex’s major London developments, including New Zealand House, One Exchange Square, and Bankside Yards (Building 2). The company intends to bring all future projects under this long-term 15-year renewable energy partnership. The Northwold PV project spans 19 hectares, housing 16,380 solar panels with a generation capacity of 10MWp. Producing around 11,448 MWh annually, it can supply energy to over 4,200 homes. A 7.5MW battery storage system, managed by GridBeyond, will provide additional grid support during peak demand. Multiplex UK regional director Tom Marke hailed the project as a game-changer for the construction industry, stating:“Northwold PV going online is a significant step in reducing our carbon emissions—delivering actions, not just words, in the drive to decarbonise UK construction. This self-generated renewable energy will result in verifiable emission reductions, aligning with the UK’s National Grid decarbonisation goals.” Ampyr Solar Europe chief executive Tarun Agrawal added:“This project is another vital step towards a cleaner, greener future. We’re proud to be expanding our European renewable energy portfolio while supporting the UK’s ambitious net zero targets.” By securing a long-term renewable energy supply, Multiplex is driving towards its 2030 sustainability targets, including net zero building operations, zero emissions transport, and zero avoidable waste—paving the way for a more sustainable construction sector. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Ian Rippin, CEO at MCS, comments on the latest MCS data: “February continued the strong start to the year for small-scale renewables. There were more than 27,000 certified installations in February, bringing the total for the year so far to more than 50,000 – the quickest we have hit this mark in scheme history. “It was another record month for battery storage with more than 2,500 certified installations, and heat pumps also had a strong month with over 5,000 certified installations – an 18% increase on February last year. There were almost 20,000 certified Solar PV installations – a 35% increase on February 2024 – demonstrating the ongoing strength of the solar market. “As MCS continues to support its certification bodies in preparing to offer the redeveloped Scheme, it’s great to see that consumer appetite for small-scale renewables is growing. With more consumers turning to home-grown energy, it’s crucial that there is a skilled installer base delivering high-quality installations against industry-recognised standards, backed by strong consumer protections. That is what the redeveloped MCS will deliver.” To view the MCS Data Dashboard for real-time dynamic visualisations of renewables uptake, please visit: https://mcscertified.com/about-the-mcs-data-dashboard/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Strategic renewable energy consultancy calls on property asset managers to prioritise the performance and safety of their commercial solar PV assets to boost profitability Landlords and property asset managers should pay closer attention to the operations and maintenance of the solar systems installed on their buildings otherwise they risk devaluing their asset and also missing out on potentially lucrative returns, according to Longevity Power, the independent strategic renewable energy consultancy. As the global solar market continues to grow, the losses from underperforming solar assets grow with it. 2024 research by RaptorMaps, the solar asset management company, found that worldwide, underperforming solar PV systems are estimated to have led to USD$4.6 billion in preventable losses in 2023. Anthony Maguire, Managing Director at Longevity Power, explained, “A commercial solar PV system is an investment that needs to be properly maintained and monitored in order to deliver a reliable ongoing return for the owner. Real estate investors who install solar PV systems on their properties often rely on the installer to oversee the operations and maintenance of their new asset. This approach may seem easier, however installers are often not well placed to provide a sufficiently high quality of service”. Correctly maintaining and optimising a solar PV system can be challenging without the right expertise. Maguire makes the point that the potential revenue missed can quickly add up without owners realising or taking any steps to rectify it. “Without properly tracking performance, there is no recourse for the asset owner to trigger performance damages or remediation work for which the installer may be contractually liable” said Maguire. “In reality, companies that install systems are often not well equipped to carry out maintenance and monitor performance because they lack both the dedicated in-house expertise and the appropriate platform, often relying upon the free portal provided by the inverter manufacturer.” Maguire continued, “At a basic level, failing to monitor your asset can be a significant fire safety risk but further to this, it can have a big impact on projects return on investment.” “For example, there is a very real possibility that the asset owner might be receiving an export tariff for the energy generated from their building’s solar system that is below market rate.By tendering this regularly you can secure a higher rate. And in markets where there are negative export prices during periods of peak generation, systems that are not managed in a dynamic, smart way will actually incur a cost. “Poor solar PV maintenance and management also causes problems further down the line when the time comes to sell a property. We are increasingly seeing prospective buyers pull out of sales where onsite solar PV systems are lacking a data bank of historical performance data and as-built specification documentation. “Missed revenue opportunities can quickly add up too, including the potential for the co-location of battery storage. By continually evaluating the consumption pattern of the building, owners can identify opportunities to install batteries for the storage of surplus electricity rather than exporting it back to the grid. Investing in on-site battery storage becomes financially sensible and delivers significant cost savings as both the consumption pattern of the asset and the market price of consumed electricity and surplus generation inevitably change over time. Maguire identified the following important steps for asset managers and property owners to follow to ensure poor performance doesn’t eat into potential returns. “Fundamentally owners need to be smart about how they manage these assets. To get the best out of an asset, owners need to remotely monitor their system on a platform that is able to collate a wide variey of data points to ensure that it is performing in line with expectations,” he said. “This way, the platform can conclusively determine whether there is a safety fault that merits further investigation, or based on the cost of cleaning and the forecasted drop off in performance, whether it is worthwhile having the panels cleaned.” “Without careful operation, maintenance and management of their solar PV systems, asset owners are not only compromising the safety of their tenants and their buildings, but also leaving money on the table and delaying a worthwhile return on their investment.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

With rising pressure to meet sustainability targets, renewable energy consultancy warns asset managers of the risks of third-party solar deals. Commercial landlords and property managers under pressure to meet sustainability targets are increasingly turning to third party leases that are sold as attractive alternatives for landlords or tenants who don’t have the capital to invest in rooftop solar themselves. But according to Anthony Maguire, Managing Director at Longevity Power, these deals often aren’t as lucrative as they seem, with many landowners overlooking the potential associated risks. Third party solar PV agreements involve the provision of a building roof for a solar PV system that is owned by a third party and leased to an asset manager over a set period (typically 20-30 years). “Tenant demand, a pressing need to reduce emissions, and an increasing lack of grid capacity means that landlords are turning to third-party owned solar PV systems without necessarily knowing what they are signing up to,” said Maguire. “As a result, landlords and tenants become trapped in lengthy and expensive contracts that are even more costly and time-consuming to get out of.” The recent European Renewables Market Overview Report further highlights the impact of market saturation and grid congestion as hinderances to greater renewable adoption and meeting established sustainability targets. Maguire points to the apparent convenience of the deals as a key reason that so many are turning to them. “Property managers and landlords typically turn to these types of deals for two reasons,” he explained. “First, an unwillingness to part with the capital due to a sense that they are unlikely to make a good return on investment over the hold period of the asset: second, in some markets, the tax implications associated with a commercial landlord selling electricity preclude them from installing solar.” “Despite having the best of intentions, asset managers find themselves in contracts that can last more than 20 years and include complex and unclear commercial terms. “These contracts can often be hugely damaging long-term as they will likely stipulate that the landlord must pay for any loss of income in the event that the system needs to be switched off or disrupted for any period longer than a few days. “If an entire rooftop has to be replaced, this means potentially compensating the third-party for loss of revenue for several months, which depending on the system size, could run into the hundreds of thousands. “Withdrawing from a lengthy solar contract is also a famously tall order. Long leases mean landlords often face extremely high buy-out costs, and if an asset needs to be sold, they can lead to a host of added legal costs.  “Signing up to terms without fully understanding the consequences can cause major headaches long-term. This is why it’s vital that asset managers take the time to rigorously analyse the potential financial implications before signing on the dotted line.” Maguire contends that third party deals aren’t inherently bad but are instead largely misunderstood and can leave some asset managers trapped on a long-term basis.  “Solar leases can be the right solution but it’s important to understand the characteristics of the system, the fund, the market and the tenant when determining whether it works for you. “If you find yourself in a bad deal you need to review your terms now. Carefully look over the lease to understand your potential financial liability and understand the costs payable at contract-end. It’s crucial that landlords perform a proper tender and rigorously assess the proposed terms of the lease. “Some contracts have a residual value of zero at the end of the contract whereas others must be bought at fair market value and others might include a renewal obligation. Understand who is liable for the removal of the panels and making good the roof at the end of the contract.” “The alternative for anyone considering solar PV is the option of investing in a rooftop PV system directly. Owning the system means enjoying the full financial benefits and also having the flexibility to develop the system and surrounding areas over the coming years.  “The landlord also has a greater degree of certainty over the costs associated with future roof works and essential maintenance, and doesn’t have potentially large financial liabilities in the event of a vacancy or a roof replacement. In any case, it’s crucial that landlords have a clear understanding of the long-term implications of undertaking any kind of solar PV installation.  Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its flagship CI IV fund, has taken a major step in its commitment to renewable energy by approving the construction of two additional Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in Scotland. These developments mark a turning point for the UK’s energy infrastructure, with CIP solidifying its position as the nation’s leading investor in battery storage solutions. Scotland to Host Europe’s Largest Battery Projects The two projects, Coalburn 2 in South Lanarkshire and Devilla in Fife, are poised to become Europe’s largest battery storage facilities. Each site boasts an impressive 500MW capacity. Once operational, they will collectively deliver a staggering 1.5GW of power and store up to 3GWh of electricity, enough to meet the energy demands of over 4.5 million households for a two-hour period. These projects, representing a combined investment of £800 million, will expand CIP’s UK BESS construction portfolio to three sites, including the already underway Coalburn 1 project. This milestone further cements CIP’s reputation as a trailblazer in renewable energy and battery storage solutions. Transforming Energy Security and Sustainability The Coalburn and Devilla projects are more than just engineering feats; they are critical components of the UK’s transition to a clean power system by 2030. By enhancing energy security, enabling flexibility in the grid, and accelerating the deployment of low-cost renewables, these facilities align perfectly with Scotland’s and the UK’s ambitious net-zero goals. Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, underscored the significance of these projects:“The construction of Europe’s largest battery systems in South Lanarkshire and Fife is a major step forward for Scotland’s energy transition. These well-placed storage systems will ensure reliable power for homes and businesses, moving us closer to a net-zero future and directly supporting local communities. Scotland remains open for investment in transformative energy technologies.” A Partnership for Progress CIP’s success in delivering these groundbreaking projects is built on strong partnerships. The company’s collaboration with Alcemi, a large-scale BESS developer, began in February 2022 and has since flourished. Together, they are creating a robust portfolio of UK-wide battery storage projects aimed at delivering a clean power system by 2030. Nischal Agarwal, Partner at CIP, highlighted the importance of these initiatives:“Our investments in Scottish battery energy storage underline our commitment to a vibrant renewable sector in the UK. Projects like Coalburn and Devilla are essential for enhancing energy security, providing grid flexibility, and supporting the deployment of renewable energy faster and more efficiently.” Key partnerships with technology and engineering providers like e-STORAGE, H&MV Engineering, OCU Group, and Wood Group are ensuring these projects are delivered to the highest standards. e-STORAGE, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar, will supply cutting-edge battery technology for all three projects, delivering 2GWh of storage capacity to the Coalburn 2 and Devilla sites. A Vote of Confidence in the UK’s Green Economy Baroness Gustafsson, UK Minister for Investment, praised the £800 million commitment as a testament to the UK’s attractiveness for green investment:“This landmark investment not only strengthens our mission to become a clean energy superpower but also ensures affordable, reliable renewable energy for millions of people across the UK. Energy is a key sector in our upcoming Industrial Strategy, and investments like this set the stage for long-term growth.” The Road Ahead As CIP continues to lead the charge in renewable energy, its transformative projects are laying the groundwork for a sustainable energy future. The Coalburn 2 and Devilla developments represent more than just milestones in battery storage; they embody a vision for an energy-secure, low-carbon world. With Scotland at the heart of these efforts, and with strong governmental and private sector backing, the UK is well on its way to becoming a global leader in clean energy innovation. CIP’s commitment to building better and building greener signals a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals