Together with OnPath Energy, new Barnsdale solar plant in West Yorkshire is being realized – with a capacity for around 13,000 households
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Together with OnPath Energy, new Barnsdale solar plant in West Yorkshire is being realized – with a capacity for around 13,000 households
GOLDBECK SOLAR, a leading international supplier of large-scale turnkey photovoltaic systems, is starting construction of the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park in West Yorkshire together with the British renewable energy developer OnPath Energy. The 50-hectare project will generate around 54 MWh of energy per year – enough to meet the electricity needs of around 13,000 family homes.
Construction of the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park is set to commence in July 2025. As EPC partner, GOLDBECK SOLAR will oversee the full project lifecycle – from engineering and procurement to construction and commissioning. The company will also be responsible for connecting the plant to the grid via the nearby Ledston Primary substation, with grid integration planned for spring 2026. In addition, GOLDBECK SOLAR will take on operations and maintenance of the facility during its initial two years of service, ensuring a reliable and efficient start to long-term energy production.
In addition to providing clean energy, the project places a strong emphasis on environmental and nature conservation. Wildflower meadows, wetlands, native trees, and extensive hedgerows will be established. With a biodiversity net gain of 106%, the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park will achieve the highest increase in biodiversity of any renewable energy project in the Leeds area to date.
“Barnsdale is our first joint project with OnPath Energy and a major milestone in expanding our UK project portfolio,” explains Colin Deans, UK Country Manager at GOLDBECK SOLAR. “The complexity of this site highlights the importance of sound planning and technical expertise. We’re excited to deliver a high-performance, forward-looking project together with OnPath.”
Martin Kellerman, construction director at OnPath Energy (formerly Banks Renewables), says: “GOLDBECK SOLAR has extensive experience of working on solar energy generation projects, both within the UK and overseas, and we’re very pleased to have them as part of an excellent team of contractors that will help us deliver the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park with maximum efficiency.”
Tobias Schüßler adds: “The Barnsdale Solar Energy Park is a prime example of what GOLDBECK SOLAR stands for: international partnerships, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of sustainable project development. Together with OnPath Energy, we are implementing a future-oriented project that delivers not only clean energy but also ecological and social value.”
As part of OnPath Energy’s OnPath Together development approach, over £800,000 of the revenues generated by Barnsdale will be directed into a community fund supporting local community groups, voluntary organisations and environmental projects over its lifetime. This demonstrates how sustainable energy generation and social engagement can go hand in hand.
With the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park, GOLDBECK SOLAR and OnPath Energy are sending a clear signal for the energy transition in the UK – technologically innovative, ecologically responsible and with direct benefits for the region. Completion is planned for summer 2026.
