French renewable energy company Voltalia has commenced power generation at its 45MW Clifton solar plant in Dorset, southwest England, the company announced on Thursday.
Located near Yeovil, the facility is expected to produce enough renewable electricity to meet the annual consumption of more than 10,600 households, while avoiding approximately 11,600 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Clifton secured a 20-year Contract for Difference (CfD) in the UK’s fourth allocation round, providing long-term revenue stability for the project.
Alongside the Higher Stockbridge solar site, which is currently under construction, the Clifton plant strengthens Voltalia’s footprint in the UK, where it now operates four solar and storage facilities with a combined capacity of 134MW. An additional 79MW is under construction, and the company has supported third-party clients in developing and operating 23 projects totaling 195MW.
Voltalia said its operations contribute to the UK’s carbon neutrality and energy security objectives by delivering competitively priced renewable energy amid market volatility.
“We are very proud to have commissioned the Clifton Solar Generating Station,” Voltalia Chief Executive Robert Klein said. “This project reflects our commitment to the UK market as well as our contribution to the national target of 95% low-carbon electricity production by 2030.
