Cero Generation and UK partner Enso Energy have reached financial close on the Bumble Bee co-located renewable energy project near the West Burton substation close to Doncaster, the companies said.
The project will combine 78MWp of solar photovoltaic capacity with a 120MW battery energy storage system (BESS), strengthening Cero’s UK pipeline as it targets more than 1GW in operation across its core markets.
Financing was arranged through the Gemini portfolio facility with support from ING Group, NORD/LB, Rabobank and Santander UK. The deal follows the 114MW Bramley project, which reached financial close last summer and is currently under construction.
Part of the battery’s revenues will be secured under a 10-year tolling agreement with ENGIE, which will optimise 70MW/140MWh of capacity. The companies said this marks Cero’s first tolling agreement and the first signed in the UK for a co-located asset.
EDF will provide optimisation services for the remaining battery capacity as well as route-to-market services for the solar PV output.
Construction is expected to begin in the coming months. Metlen Energy & Metals has been appointed as EPC contractor, with JA Solar supplying photovoltaic modules and Sungrow Europe providing the battery system.
Cero said the financial close demonstrates lender confidence in the project and highlights the growing role of co-located solar and storage assets in supporting the UK’s energy transition.
