The project, now home to a 900 kW ground-mounted solar plant, is built by renewable energy developer RenEnergy using Qcells technology.
Damian Baker, Managing Director of RenEnergy said: “We have a long-standing relationship with Cranfield University, where we have designed and installed solutions since 2018 to support the university’s carbon and energy management goals.
“We partner with our clients, understanding their changing energy needs and aspirations over time, providing innovative solutions using world-class technology such as Qcells modules.
“I look forward to continuing to work with Cranfield University to build a brighter, more sustainable future for the university and future generations.”
The car park project means the Cranfield University campus, located between Milton Keynes and Bedford, will deliver CO₂ emission savings of an estimated 377,421 kg/year, aiding the University’s goals to tackle climate change and take greater control of its energy independence.
Cranfield has ambitious climate targets to meet net zero by 2030. It has been awarded £16.3m across two successful bids from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which is initiated by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and delivered by Salix Finance.
Renewable energy developer RenEnergy specialises in solar photovoltaics (PV) and energy storage.
Qcells manufactures solar cells and modules with a portfolio of intelligent storage systems, and offers a growing international pipeline of large-scale renewable energy projects.
Ross Kent, Head of Sales UK, Ireland and Scandinavia for Qcells, said: “The addition of a close-to 1 MW solar array at one of the UK’s leading higher education institutes is another encouraging step along the road to decarbonisation.
“Our hope is that the sight of this solar array can inspire Cranfield University’s students on a daily basis, and ultimately help accelerate the UK’s transition to a greener future.
“We applaud Cranfield University and our partners RenEnergy for having the ambition to execute such a bold project on land previously carved out for cars and that had fallen into disuse.”
Gareth Ellis, Energy & Environment Manager at Cranfield University, added: “This is a fantastic project well executed by RenEnergy who once again provided an optimal solution to some unusual site constraints.”
Director of Programmes at Salix Finance Ian Rodger said: “We are delighted that an unused plot of land can be turned into an innovative project which should ultimately produce carbon savings.
“Cranfield is working hard to create a more sustainable future for generations to come and we are delighted to be part of the Cranfield decarbonization journey.”
