Labour MP for Sefton Central and Energy Security and Net Zero Select Committee Chair, MP Bill Esterson, has visited the Port of Liverpool to see progress on the development of the UK's largest roof mounted solar system.
The project between E.ON and Peel Ports Group involves the installation of 63,000 solar panels at Merseyside port, which is set to generate up to 31MW of renewable energy - around 25% of the Port’s annual electricity needs - and save 6,500 tonnes of CO2e per year, which is the equivalent to more than 2,250 cars taken off the roads.
Bill was joined by representatives from E.ON and Peel Ports Group who conducted a tour of the site which is set to be complete in 2026 and updated Bill on progress.
Simon Duncan, Director of E.ON Infrastructure Services UK said:
“We always welcome the opportunity to showcase our solutions and we are proud of the progress we are making here in the Port of Liverpool. This partnership with Peel Ports Group and the work being carried out here marks a significant milestone in revolutionizing the way we generate and use energy across the UK.
“The sheer scale of this project is a best case example of what is possible for UK renewables, and demonstrates how we could be energising other commercial facilities and even communities with sustainable and reliable energy for the future.”
Commenting on the visit, MP Bill Esterson said:
“I am delighted that the Port of Liverpool is setting such a shining example to other businesses looking to cut carbon emissions, as the UK strives to meet our net-zero ambitions.
“Such local initiatives not only contribute to our national energy security, but crucially, empower local communities by creating a decentralised, resilient energy system and securing green jobs.”
Indeed, the initiative is also delivering tangible local benefits, with E.ON committing to using local contractors where possible and continuing to work with local companies for the ongoing upkeep of the 25-year period.
Before concluding the visit, Bill was also briefed on a future project which will see E.ON support Peel Ports in repowering the existing wind turbines on the banks of the River Mersey with fewer, larger turbines, allowing the port to operate entirely off its own renewable energy.
Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director of Port Services at Peel Ports Group said:
“At Peel Ports Group, we continue to make substantial strides toward our ambitious goal of becoming a carbon-neutral port operator by 2040.
“These transformative solar and wind energy projects are advancing at an impressive pace, positioning the Port of Liverpool at the forefront of the transition to cleaner, renewable energy. Significantly reducing our emissions contributes to a more sustainable future for our industry and communities."
Speaking after the visit, MP Bill Esterson said:
“It was fantastic to see the progress of the work at the Port of Liverpool and to meet Peel Ports and E.ON apprentices at work from my very own Sefton Central constituency.
“As Chair of the Committee for Energy Security and Net Zero, I am excited to work with industry leading figures like E.ON and Peel Ports further in the future, to ensure that together, we deliver this Government’s ambitious clean energy plans.”
This partnership brings Peel Ports Group within reach of its ambition to power the Port of Liverpool entirely by renewable energy generated on site, including at night and over winter when the solar panels are not producing as much energy.
