Peel Ports, E.ON complete first solar power at Liverpool

Peel Ports Group and E.ON have generated the first power from a new solar array atop the Alexandra Dock warehouse at the Port of Liverpool.

The nearly 260,000-square-foot warehouse, known as the ‘Alex Shed’, is now home to almost 7,000 solar panels connected to the grid — the first stage of a project that could see up to 48,000 panels installed across multiple port buildings.

The initiative forms part of a 25-year partnership between Peel Ports and E.ON, projected to cut CO2e emissions by 4,700 tonnes annually — roughly equivalent to taking more than 1,600 cars off the road — and contributing to Peel Ports’ target of net zero emissions by 2040.

Vijay Tank, Chief Operating Officer of E.ON Energy Solutions, said: “The Port of Liverpool is a critical national infrastructure site, and decarbonising places like this is essential for the UK’s environmental and economic targets. The first grid connection of this major solar project is a big leap towards creating a clean energy system fit for the future.

“We’ve been energy partners of the Peel Ports Group for more than two decades and I’m extremely proud of our relationship and their continued trust in our ability to collaborate further in meeting their future energy ambitions.”

The full solar array is expected to deliver 25 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to meet a quarter of the port’s annual requirements — comparable to the yearly consumption of more than 10,000 average UK homes.

All installation and maintenance will be carried out locally, with materials transported by sea to minimise community impact, and work has been confined to existing port rooftops.

Lewis McIntyre, Managing Director – Port Services at Peel Ports Group, stated: “This project demonstrates how ports can lead the transition to renewable energy by maximising existing infrastructure, working with trusted partners like E.ON, and delivering long-term benefits for our customers, local communities and the environment as we progress towards our net zero target by 2040.”

The first grid connection represents a step toward Peel Ports’ goal of sourcing 50 per cent of its energy from renewables by 2030.

In December 2025, Peel Ports Group became the first UK port operator to join the Construction Leadership Council’s Co2nstructZero programme.