Quinbrook Advances Large-Scale Solar Project In England

Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners (Quinbrook), an investment manager focused on the infrastructure needed for the energy transition, has acquired the 350 MW solar PV project, Mallard Pass. The project, located on the Rutland-Lincolnshire border in the East Midlands, England, represents Quinbrook’s second nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) after Cleve Hill Solar, the UK’s first NSIP project which is in final stages of construction.

Construction of Mallard Pass is expected to begin in 2026 with commencement of operations in 2028. Quinbrook will leverage its experience from the comparably sized Cleve Hill project, which is due to commence generation of solar power this quarter. Cleve Hill was the first NSIP to secure a Contract for Difference (CfD) in July 2022 as part of the UK’s Allocation Round 4. In November 2024 that, Quinbrook said that Cleve Hill had secured the UK’s largest ever solar corporate PPA with Tesco.

“Renewable power projects of the scale of Cleve Hill and Mallard Pass help accelerate the UK’s energy transition and decarbonization along with enhanced resilience of energy supply,” said Keith Gains, managing director and UK regional leader for Quinbrook. “Mallard Pass represents another value-add investment opportunity for Quinbrook in large scale solar. Quinbrook plans to leverage our extensive global experience in large-scale renewables development, construction and operations to bring high-quality solar technology and innovation to Mallard Pass including its demand-side capacity potential.”

As it did with Cleve Hill, Quinbrook will prioritize local and regional benefits Mallard Pass can bring to the community. This includes scope for local residents to access employment opportunities associated with construction and operation. Preliminary analysis indicates that over the project’s anticipated lifetime, Mallard Pass could support more than 2000 direct and indirect jobs and generate upwards of US$154 million in local socio-economic contributions.

Mallard Pass is estimated to produce over 14 million MWh of renewable power over its lifespan and reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 733,037 tons (665,000 tonnes), equivalent to CO₂ emissions from 738,691,906 pounds (335,065,012 kg) of coal burned. Quinbrook also aims to deliver a 71% biodiversity net gain at Mallard Pass, combining natural capital enhancement and creation initiatives and leveraging its experience from implementing 67% biodiversity net gain at Cleve Hill.

“Solar projects of this scale play an important role in the decarbonization of the UK grid and our country’s energy security,” said Rosalind Smith-Maxwell, director for Quinbrook. “The investment in Mallard Pass is another excellent example of Quinbrook’s focus on holistic and impactful investment in the infrastructure needed to advance the energy transition.”

Quinbrook and affiliate, Private Energy Partners, will now proceed with detailed design, procurement, and construction planning.