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 54,000 MWh of energy per year – enough to meet the electricity needs of around 13,000 family homes.
Construction of the Barnsdale solar park will begin in summer 2025, with GOLDBECK SOLAR acting as EPC partner for the planning, procurement, implementation and commissioning of the plant. The company is also responsible for the grid connection via the nearby Ledston Primary substation. Commissioning of the grid connection is planned for spring 2026. GOLDBECK SOLAR will also be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the plant during the first two years of operation.
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 significant milestone in the expansion of our UK project portfolio,” explains Colin Deans, UK Country Manager at GOLDBECK SOLAR. “The complexity of this site demonstrates the importance of sound planning and technical expertise. We look forward to working with OnPath to deliver a powerful and forward-thinking project.”
Martin Kellerman, Site Manager at OnPath Energy (formerly Banks Renewables), explains: “GOLDBECK SOLAR has extensive experience in solar energy generation projects – both in the UK and internationally. We are delighted to have GOLDBECK SOLAR on board as part of an excellent team of contractors to help us deliver the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park with maximum efficiency.”
Tobias Schüßler adds: “The Barnsdale Solar Energy Park exemplifies what GOLDBECK SOLAR is all about: international partnerships, technical excellence and a deep understanding of sustainable projects. Together with OnPath Energy, we are implementing a forward-looking project that not only supplies clean energy, but also creates ecological and social added 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.
