A consortium of Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) funds has committed £230 million to solar farm developments across the region. The investment, made through Wessex Gardens Limited Partnership, involves funds from Avon, Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire, focusing on climate-friendly initiatives.

This substantial financial input is part of a larger £330 million commitment by the group, aiming to support 11 solar farms with a combined capacity of around 140MWp. This capacity is sufficient to supply electricity to nearly 52,000 homes, with the solar farms located in strategic positions across Bristol, Bath, Devon, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire.

The transaction is notable as it represents the largest operational solar deal ever completed in the UK. Management of the investment is being handled by Schroders Greencoat, a specialist in renewables under Schroders Capital, which has facilitated the majority acquisition of Toucan Energy’s UK solar portfolio.

Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall, vice chair of the Avon Pension Fund Committee, emphasized the critical role of such investments in tackling climate change and safeguarding the environment for future generations. Similarly, Councillor John Hart, leader of Devon County Council, highlighted the investment’s significance in fostering job creation and enhancing renewable energy production throughout the South West.

The solar farms involved in this project are distributed across various locations, including:

– Patchway and Grange Farm in Bristol

– Mendip Hills in Bath

– Dunkeswell Airfield in Devon

– Manor Farm and Home Farm in Gloucestershire

– New Stone House in Oxfordshire

– Trowle Common and Wroughton Airfield in Wiltshire