Shoosmiths leads for Leonardo on milestone 20-year PPA in Yeovil with Conrad Energy

Law firm Shoosmiths has advised Leonardo in cementing its commercial relationship with Conrad Energy, with a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for the 11.25MW output of the Camp Road solar farm, that will supply the Leonardo Yeovil site with 100% green energy. The project recently received planning permission from Somerset Council and construction is anticipated to begin later this year.

This project is a strategic development for both parties, and they are delighted to have reached this milestone. For Conrad Energy, this site represents an extension of their investment into solar power and is their first off-site solar farm, designed to provide 100% green energy to meet the specific demands of the business.

Leonardo in the UK has committed to be Net Zero (Scopes I & II) by 2030. This project forms part of a programme of actions to achieve this objective including, energy efficient lighting, heating and electric vehicles, however 100% green energy presented a conundrum.

The Shoosmiths team was led by Energy & Infrastructure sector head James Wood-Robertson and his team advising on the PPA and property matters.

Conrad Energy’s team stepped in and proposed an innovative solution to the Leonardo demand for 100% green energy. A suitable location was identified for an off-site solar farm, with a private wire connection to enable the Yeovil site to harness the output. The farmer received a generous long-term lease on his land, with the knowledge that whilst 40 of the 45-acre site will be covered in panels, only 5% of the land will be disturbed. When the solar farm’s 40-year life span comes to an end, the land will be returned to agricultural use with well rested soil.

Once fully operational, the new solar farm will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of up to 6,500 homes. Although there is a carbon footprint associated with solar panels, the lifecycle emissions of solar electricity are around 12 times less than natural gas and 20 times lower than coal. The 40-year lifespan of the solar farm will deliver a saving of around 80,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Tony O’Carroll, Conrad Energy’s CEO said “Yeovil is an incredibly important site. We’re delighted to have solved a decarbonisation and green energy supply challenge, whilst also working to fulfil the aims of the local council. Long term initiatives that ensure positive community and biodiversity impact are integral to the way we work. We’re thrilled to have secured planning consent and look forward to bringing this solar farm to life for the benefit of Leonardo in Yeovil, the local economy and the environment.”

James Wood-Robertson said: “We are delighted to have supported Leonardo in this pivotal step towards decarbonisation at their Yeovil site. It is fantastic to see the PPA signed and we congratulate Leonardo and Conrad Energy on this 20-year commitment.”

Paul Coombs, VP Facilities, Real Estate and Infrastructure at Leonardo has overseen the solar farm project since its inception. He said: “The signing of the 20-year PPA represents the culmination of many months of hard work and negotiation. Bringing clean energy into the Yeovil site is another significant step in our pursuit of net zero, while sustaining a reliable source of green energy for our business. This aligns with our sense of responsibility in minimising our environmental impact.”

As the Home of British Helicopters, Leonardo in Yeovil is the UK’s only end-to-end rotary wing manufacturer, where helicopters have been designed, built and tested for nearly 80 years. During this time, more than 3,300 helicopters have been built, many of which have been exported worldwide. 500 UK-made Leonardo helicopters are currently operated by 34 customers in 23 countries. Leonardo is committed to taking action on climate change and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all of the activities and processes required to create its products and services, in order to achieve a near-term Net Zero target for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, as outlined in their Carbon Reduction Plan.