Kajima £150m JV targets solar power and battery storage

Kajima Europe has launched a renewable energy platform to develop solar and battery storage projects across the UK in a joint venture with renewable energy developer and Net Zero consultancy Low Carbon Alliance.

The joint venture, Taiyo Power & Storage will initially develop a portfolio of ground mounted solar, solar-and-battery hybrid and stand-alone battery storage plants with a build-out value of £150 million.  These projects are already in early development stage in England, Scotland and Wales.

Low Carbon Alliance is a consultancy that helps clients and partners identify and deliver net zero strategies to decarbonise the power grid and property sectors.

The firm provides services including site origination, land negotiation, grid consultancy, planning and project development. 

UK’s net zero commitment boosts energy prospects

Kajima said in a statement that Taiyo marks the company’s entry into the UK solar and battery storage market, which it says is set to grow significantly following the UK’s legally binding commitment to Net Zero by 2050.

The UK is set to double its solar capacity by 2030, according to a recent report by Solar Energy UK.  Battery storage capacity in the UK is currently about 1.3GW but National Grid has suggested that 20GW will be needed by 2030.

The deal with Low Carbon Alliance follows an announcement that Kajima has moved into the Polish Renewables market, with the acquisition of clean energy developer PAD RES, in partnership with Griffin Real Estate.

“We believe that moving into the solar and battery storage market is not only about making a long-term investment but also about taking responsibility and supporting the Green Industrial Revolution,” Kajima projects and investment director Chris Gill said.