North East firms join forces on solar project

Two North East companies have joined forces to deliver a renewable energy development in South Yorkshire.

Sunderland-headquartered OnPath Energy has appointed Washington firm TMS Grid to build the substation that will manage the electrical output from its new Common Farm Solar Park in Dinnington, near Sheffield. 

The site will generate enough green electricity to power up to 18,800 homes each year.

TMS Grid, a specialist in grid connection infrastructure, will deliver the project’s connectivity systems for OnPath Energy and Northern PowerGrid. 

The substation will also link a 50MW battery storage facility directly to the Thurcroft electricity substation three kilometres away, improving grid efficiency and supporting the UK’s long-term energy resilience.

Work on preparing the 2500sq metre site is already under way, with construction set to begin by the end of the year and completion expected in 2027. 

Peter Eagle, chief executive officer at TMS Grid, says: “Our team has a wealth of experience of helping to deliver innovative renewable energy generation projects and works to the highest standards of quality, safety and sustainability.​

“The Common Farm Solar Park is an excellent example of a modern, efficient project that will help to increase the amount of low carbon, green energy that’s available to all of us.”

Martin Kellerman, construction director at OnPath Energy, added: “Work on delivering the direct environmental, energy security, economic and community benefits that the Common Farm Solar Park will bring to the local area is beginning to accelerate.

“Partnering with businesses that share our long-term values to deliver sustainable locally sourced projects of the highest quality is a central part of our OnPath Together development approach.

“The experience and expertise that TMS Grid provides is ideal for this part of the project and we’re very pleased to be working with such a well-regarded firm in this field.”

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