It is the first solar operations and maintenance deal in the UK that encompasses a number of community projects. The five-year agreement covers solar parks owned by community organisations; once the on-boarding is complete, BSR will manage a 586 MW solar portfolio across 64 sites, representing nearly half (46 percent) of community capacity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The company also holds the O&M contract for two community energy projects at Westmill, near Watchfield, Oxfordshire, and Wedmore, Somerset.
“It is vital for Mongoose and our clients to get the highest calibre O&M available, not simply the cheapest” said Dan Kingscote, Performance and Operations Manager, Mongoose Energy. “BSR demonstrated throughout the tender that they understand our clients’ values and operate to the highest health and safety standards. O&M is a technically complex and time-consuming activity. To do it properly requires a well-resourced and experienced contractor to both manage the site and support in optimising asset performance.”
Matthew Harnack, BSR O&M Director, added that the landmark contract with Mongoose builds on BSR’s work in the sector and establishes the company as a leading O&M provider in the burgeoning community energy market. The company chose BSR following a competitive tender process, including two submission stages and assessment by Mongoose’s community group board members.
Mongoose Energy was set up to increase community ownership and control of energy generation, democratise the energy sector and improve lives of those in the communities in which it operates, as well as contributing to the decarbonisation of the energy system. The company has so far raised over £100 million for the 12 community groups with which it works across the country. It is currently offering over £4 million of investment opportunities in community-owned renewable energy, with target returns of up to 8 percent.
Image: British Solar Renewables
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