Aura Power has secured £33.1m project financing to fund the construction of its Burtree Lane solar project in Darlington, UK, marking another major milestone for the Bristol based renewable energy developer.  This is the second project in Aura Power’s 400 MWp+ ready-to-build solar portfolio to reach financial close with Rabobank, following its success with the Kemble solar project in October last year.

Located in Darlington, the 40 MW (ac) Burtree Lane project received planning approval in November 2022 and, once operational, will generate enough clean electricity to power around 14,000 homes while offsetting approximately 10,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. The site will also deliver significant environmental benefits, including a 46% biodiversity net gain through landscaping measures such as tree hedgerow and wildflower planting. Additionally, a c.£20,000 per year community benefit fund will be established to support local social, educational, and environmental initiatives.

At the end of 2024, the UK Government announced its ambition to triple the country’s installed solar capacity by 2030. While planning and grid reforms are underway to facilitate this, achieving the target remains a monumental challenge. Aura Power’s successful financial close on Burtree Lane Solar Farm is another step toward supporting the UK’s transition to a decarbonised electricity grid.

Ben Moore, Director at Aura Power, said: “Reaching financial close on Burtree Lane is a fantastic next step for us in developing our operational UK solar portfolio. We’re looking forward to breaking ground in the summer and energising early next year”.

Paul Graafland, Associate Director at Rabobank, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Aura Power on the Burtree Lane Solar PV project and in turn aid in their broader goal of developing 400MWp+ UK Solar Portfolio. This financing underscores Rabobank’s cooperative commitment to financing the energy transition and supporting sustainable energy solutions".

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