The firm’s Banking and Finance team has advised on the £33.1 million project financing to fund the construction of Burtree Lane Solar Farm, bringing benefits to the environment, biodiversity and local communities
Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has advised renewable energy developer Aura Power on its £33.1 million project financing to fund the construction of a 40MW solar farm in Darlington. The project, Burtree Lane, is the second 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, in a transaction also facilitated by Burges Salmon.
Once operational, the Burtree Lane project will generate enough clean electricity to power around 14,000 homes while offsetting approximately 10,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. With solar being the lowest cost form of new energy generation, the project will also help to reduce national power prices.
The site is also set to 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. Aura Power’s solar farm will also contribute over £80,000 in business rates to Darlington Borough Council every year.
The Burges Salmon team advising Aura Power was led by associate Emily Cranston, senior associate Elin Blundell and partner Stuart McMillan from the firm’s Banking and Finance team. Emily comments: “At the end of 2024, the UK Government announced its ambition to triple the country’s installed solar capacity by 2030 and therefore it’s been a pleasure to be part of the team facilitating the successful financing for Burtree Lane, a project that stands as a testament to Aura Power’s commitment to supporting the UK’s solar transformation for a decarbonised electricity grid.”
Ali Timms, General Counsel at Aura Power, adds: “Reaching financial close on Burtree Lane is a fantastic next step for us in developing our operational UK solar portfolio and we’re looking forward to breaking ground in the summer and energising early next year. Having previously worked with Burges Salmon on our Kemble project, it’s been brilliant to work with Emily, Elin and Stuart who once again guided us through the complexities with ease and clarity.”
Combining sector knowledge with banking and finance expertise, Burges Salmon provides tailored advice to support lenders and borrowers on complex financing transactions in the UK and internationally. The firm’s energy capabilities were recognised in Clean Energy Pipeline’s annual Legal League Tables 2024 with Burges Salmon ranked as the second most active law firm in clean energy M&A deals and in the top 10 Project Finance table, having completed 18 transactions, totalling £936 million.
About Burges Salmon
Burges Salmon is an ambitious, sustainable and inclusive firm that ensures its clients, people and wider communities flourish. Burges Salmon’s vision is to be the market-leading independent UK law firm that provides the best proposition for its people and its clients.
With offices in Bristol, Edinburgh, London and Dublin, Burges Salmon maintains a collaborative and cohesive culture which underpins the quality of its work and client service. Burges Salmon has lawyers who are qualified to work in all three legal jurisdictions in the UK — England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Burges Salmon also works internationally. Across the world, the firm works with a select number of like-minded independent law firms — the firm’s preferred law firm network. Burges Salmon is confident in its own model. In a rapidly changing world, clients instruct Burges Salmon because the firm offers a different experience: unrivalled expertise, excellent service and exceptional value.
The firm competes at the top of the legal market, working for large corporates, entrepreneurial businesses, institutions and public bodies and private individuals. The firm provides these sophisticated clients with a wide range of services, often at critical moments when astute legal advice and commercial guidance is needed. Working collaboratively, in partnership with clients, Burges Salmon forms its thinking around their needs to ensure delivery of the right solutions when it matters.
