Natural Power has strengthened its position as one of Scotland’s leading providers of renewable energy services after securing a contract with ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) to support five onshore windfarms across southern Scotland. The new five-year contract sees Natural Power appointed to provide operations and maintenance services at Ewe Hill 1, Ewe Hill 2, Hagshaw Hill 2 and Wether Hill, while its existing contract at Black Law Windfarm has also been extended. The award forms part of ScottishPower Renewables’ latest operations and maintenance framework, representing a record investment of £102.9m in the UK’s onshore wind supply chain and reinforcing the important role that local businesses play in supporting the country’s clean energy infrastructure. Matthew Kelly, Director of Operations and Asset Management at Natural Power, said: “We’re delighted to have strengthened our long-standing relationship with ScottishPower Renewables through this latest contract award. It reflects the confidence in our people, our operational expertise and our ability to safely deliver high-quality services across its onshore wind portfolio. “As a business headquartered in south-west Scotland, we’re particularly proud that this investment supports skilled jobs within local communities while helping maintain the reliable operation of renewable energy assets that are making an important contribution to Scotland’s clean energy ambitions. “We’ve invested in expanding our teams in both Dumfries and Lanark to support the contract, creating new opportunities for skilled engineers and strengthening our operational capability for the future. We look forward to continuing to work closely with ScottishPower Renewables and continuing to support the production of reliable, clean energy.” Headquartered in Dumfries and Galloway, Natural Power has expanded its local operational teams to deliver the contract, creating new engineering roles alongside employees who transferred into the business under TUPE. The company has employed an additional 23 dedicated staff across its Dumfries and Lanark operations, supporting the delivery of services across the five windfarms. The project team in Dumfries comprises ten employees, including wind turbine technicians, a lead technician and a logistics coordinator. In Lanark, the business has further strengthened its capabilities with a team of 13 employees, including newly created leadership positions to support contract delivery and future growth. The investment demonstrates Natural Power’s continued commitment to developing skilled employment opportunities within Scotland while ensuring experienced, locally based teams are supporting critical renewable energy infrastructure. Natural Power has been providing technical and operational services to the renewable energy sector for almost three decades and supports wind, solar and battery storage assets throughout the UK and internationally. The latest contract further strengthens the company’s operations and maintenance portfolio while reinforcing its commitment to supporting Scotland’s growing renewable energy industry through local expertise, long-term investment and highly skilled engineering teams. Find out more about operations and asset management at Natural Power here: Renewables Operations & Asset Management | Natural Power Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

ScottishPower has awarded contracts totalling a record £102.9million to companies spanning the country in the latest round of support for Britain’s supply chain. Businesses based in the north and south of Scotland, the outskirts of London and in Northern Ireland share the bumper investment, which will create engineering jobs and boost local economies throughout the country. The contracts, which equate to the highest award of its kind to date, will cover the operation and maintenance of 24 of ScottishPower Renewables’ onshore windfarms for the next five years, ensuring they continue to power the country with clean, green energy. ScottishPower Renewables’ Onshore Construction and Operations Director Ross Galbraith said: “Transitioning the country to a cleaner, greener future has so many benefits beyond the environment, and our support for the supply chain throughout the UK is clear evidence of this. “By continuing to invest in our assets, we are giving businesses in the supply chain the confidence to make their own investments, and that results in jobs and other benefits for local communities.” Three of the four companies extend existing relationships with SPR, having already completed successful contracts on a number of windfarms, and the new contracts have allowed them to grow further. Ross Galbraith added: “All of these companies have proven track records in the wind energy sector, and we are proud to be able to build on existing relationships and cultivate new ones which we look forward to being able to grow in the years ahead.” New supplier – Gael Energy Ltd – is based in Invergordon, in the Highlands, and is already experienced in operating windfarms. This played a significant role in the company’s selection, alongside its ability to secure local resources within the area. Gael Energy Founder and Managing Director Hamish Campbell said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this Operations & Maintenance contract and to be supporting another renewable energy project here in the Highlands. “As a business headquartered in the heart of the Highlands, we’ve always believed that having a strong local presence is fundamental to the way we operate. Being close to our customers allows us to respond quickly, build lasting relationships, and invest in the communities where we work. “This contract is another important milestone for Gael Energy, strengthening our growing portfolio of windfarm O&M agreements and reinforcing our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable services across the region. It also represents another step in our continued growth throughout the Highlands, creating opportunities for our team while supporting the long-term success of Scotland’s renewable energy sector. “We look forward to working closely with ScottishPower Renewables to ensure the wind farm continues to operate safely, efficiently and reliably for years to come.” Everun Limited is headquartered in Belfast and has been working with SPR on its Irish-based assets for the last five years. Having secured major works contracts for a number of SPR sites in Scotland in 2024, Everun has continued to invest, establishing facilities in Glasgow and recruiting a dedicated team.   This tender sees Everun adding to the five SPR Northern Ireland/Ireland sites already under O&M, with three new sites covering 97 WTG’s and 15 staff directly supporting its Scotland operations.    Everun Managing Director Michael Thompson reflected on a long and deepening relationship with SPR, saying: “The partnership between SPR and Everun has been built over a number of years, setting clear objectives for continuous improvement via investment in staff and infrastructure. “We are delighted to be expanding our operations and look forward to delivering consistent services for SPR into the future.”   RES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, officially opened its new logistics hub in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, earlier this month. The hub acts as the operational base for a major five-year O&M contract with ScottishPower Renewables covering 15 windfarms, providing logistics support, component refurbishment and specialist technical resource across the portfolio. The contract has created 32 direct jobs, including 16 technicians, taking RES’ total headcount on the contract to close to 100.  Simon Deacon, Regional O&M Director, Northern Europe at RES, said: “This contract reflects the long-term, technical partnership we’ve built with ScottishPower Renewables. Our growing team at Bellshill gives us the local capability to support this expanded portfolio safely and efficiently.”  Natural Power is based in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. They’ve expanded their SPR portfolio by securing four more windfarms as part of this process, employing 23 people across the sites. Matthew Kelly, Director of Operations and Asset Management at Natural Power, said: “We’re delighted to have strengthened our long-standing relationship with ScottishPower Renewables through this latest contract award. It reflects the confidence in our people, our operational expertise and our ability to safely deliver high-quality services across its onshore wind portfolio. “As a business headquartered in south-west Scotland, we’re particularly proud that this investment supports skilled jobs within local communities while helping maintain the reliable operation of renewable energy assets that are making an important contribution to Scotland’s clean energy ambitions. “We’ve invested in expanding our teams in both Dumfries and Lanark to support the contract, creating new opportunities for skilled engineers and strengthening our operational capability for the future. We look forward to continuing to work closely with ScottishPower Renewables and continuing to support the production of reliable, clean energy.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Savills Earth Capital Advisory (SECA) has advised Caerphilly County Borough Council (Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Caerffili) on the sale of Cwm Ifor Solar Farm, a fully consented 20MW solar project located near Caerphilly, South Wales, to Fuse Energy, one of the UK’s fastest-growing energy suppliers, for an undisclosed sum. The project is expected to connect to the grid in December 2026, with the potential to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 6,000 homes annually. Cllr Amanda McConnell, Caerphilly Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, says, “This agreement is an important step in tackling the climate emergency and increasing renewable energy in Caerphilly. The Cwm Ifor Solar Farm could power around 6,000 homes with clean electricity, while supporting a more flexible and resilient energy system. We’re pleased to be working with Fuse Energy to bring this project forward and deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits for our communities.” Henry Grant, Director, Savills Earth Capital Advisory, comments, “We’re pleased to have supported the Local Authority with this transaction. Investor appetite for solar remains strong as these projects continue to play a critical role in accelerating the UK’s transition to a low carbon energy system.” The acquisition expands Fuse Energy’s growing renewable portfolio with a current 1GW pipeline across solar and wind projects. It follows the company’s strategy to integrate generation, infrastructure, and supply under one roof, aimed at reducing costs passed onto the consumer and improving energy system efficiency. Fuse Energy plans to develop Cwm Ifor using in-house engineering, procurement and construction. A previous solar project was recently completed by the company at a 30% lower cost per MW peak than industry average. The Cwm Ifor Solar Farm project marks a significant step in scaling Fuse Energy’s renewable generation portfolio and advancing a lower-cost energy system in the UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Able Humber Ports Ltd is pleased to announce the award of a £490,000 Industrial Strategy Zone (ISZ) Site Accelerator Grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. This targeted funding will fast‑track the technical, commercial and procurement activity required to unlock the next phase of the Able Humber Port (AHP) development-one of the UK’s most strategically important clean‑energy infrastructure projects. Located on the Humber Estuary, AHP offers 332 hectares of port land, including 177.7 hectares within the Humber Freeport Tax Site, and a further 39.73 hectares enabled through new quay construction. The grant will help bring the site to investment‑ready status within six months, underpinning what is set to become the UK’s largest fully integrated offshore wind cluster port. The development is expected to enable more than £535 million of private‑sector investment and support approximately 4,000 high‑quality jobs across the region. Executive Chairman Peter Stephenson commented:“This grant marks an important step forward in unlocking the full potential of Able Humber Port. The Humber has a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to become the heart of the UK’s offshore wind industry. We welcome the continued support from government, the Humber Freeport, and our regional partners as we bring this nationally significant development closer to delivery.” AHP will play a central role in supporting the UK’s offshore wind manufacturing and installation capacity, industrial decarbonisation and Freeport‑driven economic growth. With the scale and planning consents already in place, Able Humber Port is uniquely positioned to anchor a world‑class offshore wind ecosystem and contribute significantly to the UK’s 2030 target of 50GW of offshore wind. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Specialist electrical and solar panel contractors, Fusion 360 Group, have urged businesses to secure their solar energy systems before an anticipated rise in cost in April. Driven by global supply chain issues and material shortages, solar PV (photovoltaic) markets have announced that the price of solar panels in the UK will go up from April 1st. “Commercial, industrial, housing and public sectors looking to invest in solar energy are best to act now. Delaying projects could mean paying more for panels, incurring longer lead times and potentially disrupting any sustainability targets for your business” says Joanne Skinner, Commercial Director of Fusion 360.  The upcoming solar panel availability and cost changes are reportedly driven by a reduction in Chinese manufacturing subsidies, global supply chain constraints and surging material costs, including silver and polysilicon. Leading solar energy installers, like Fusion 360, have suggested that securing solar panels before the price rise in April ensures the project can remain in budget and on schedule “These price rises have been anticipated for some time, so we’ve been proactively working with businesses to help them secure the hardware required for their solar energy systems. Until April, we’re able to offer the opportunity to lock in better pricing, guarantee availability and ensure their solar panels are delivered and installed on time” adds Joanne. Established in 1997, Fusion 360 – formerly Fusion Electrics – specialise in managing the supply and installation of electrical and energy systems for business and domestic customers throughout the UK. With a dedication to safety, innovation and long-term value for clients, Fusion has supported the design and installation of solar energy systems that power businesses and properties with clean, renewable energy. “Whether you’re cutting energy costs, improving green credentials or looking to become more energy independent – solar energy is a smart, long-term sustainable investment. And, with this month being the best time to act, our services will be available for businesses and organisations across the UK” concludes Joanne. Read more about Fusion 360: https://fusion360group.co.uk/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals

Peel Ports Group and E.ON have celebrated a significant milestone at the Port of Liverpool by successfully generating the first power from the new solar panels on the new nearly 260,000 square foot Alexandra Dock warehouse, part of a major sustainability programme at the Port and the creation of the UK’s largest roof-mounted solar array. A total of almost 7,000 (6,926) solar panels have been installed on the warehouse known as the ‘Alex Shed’ and have now been connected to the grid – the first instalment of an ambitious project that will see up to 48,000 solar panels installed across many more buildings at the Port of Liverpool. The project is part of a 25-year agreement between Peel Ports Group and E.ON, which is set to cut CO2e emissions(2) by 4,700 tonnes each year – equivalent to taking more than 1,600 cars off the road(3). This will play a central role in helping the Peel Ports Group to achieve its net zero emissions goal by 2040. Vijay Tank, Chief Operating Officer of E.ON Energy Solutions, said: “The Port of Liverpool is a critical national infrastructure site, and decarbonising places like this is essential for the UK’s environmental and economic targets. The first grid connection of this major solar project is a big leap towards creating a clean energy system fit for the future. “We’ve been energy partners of the Peel Ports Group for more than two decades and I’m extremely proud of our relationship and their continued trust in our ability to collaborate further in meeting their future energy ambitions.” The grid connection represents a key strategic objective for the port operator, which is seeking to secure 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Once complete, the panels are expected to deliver 25MW of electricity, providing enough energy to meet a quarter of the port’s annual requirements and matching the yearly consumption of more than 10,000 average UK homes(1). The full solar array is being financed and delivered by E.ON, with a commitment to employing local contractors for installation and ongoing maintenance throughout the 25-year agreement. In line with the sustainability ambitions of the port, all work has been completed within the existing port footprint, maximising available roof space, with all equipment and materials transported to the port by sea, minimising impact to the local community. Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director – Port Services at Peel Ports Group said:  “Generating the first power from this landmark solar project is a major milestone for the Port of Liverpool and for Peel Ports Group as a whole. By transforming our warehouse rooftops into clean energy assets, we’re taking practical, large-scale action to decarbonise a critical national gateway which enables regional trade and economic growth. “We are proud to be an industry leader in decarbonising port operations, having recently reported a 48% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse emissions across the group, in just five years.” “This project demonstrates how ports can lead the transition to renewable energy by maximising existing infrastructure, working with trusted partners like E.ON, and delivering long-term benefits for our customers, local communities and the environment as we progress towards our net zero target by 2040.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals