GOLDBECK SOLAR Starts Construction of 55 MWp Solar Park Barnsdale in the UK

Together with OnPath Energy, a new solar project is being realized in West Yorkshire – delivering enough power for approximately 13,000 households.

Hirschberg a.d. Bergstraße, 17.07.2025 – GOLDBECK SOLAR, a leading international provider of turnkey large-scale photovoltaic systems, is starting construction of the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park in West Yorkshire, together with UK renewable energy developer OnPath Energy. The 50-hectare project will generate around 54 MWh of clean energy annually – enough to meet the electricity needs of approximately 13,000 family households.

Renewable Energy for the Leeds Region

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.

Strong Focus on Biodiversity

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.

Partnership for a Sustainable Future

“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.”

Benefits for the Local Community

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 strong signal for the energy transition in the UK – technologically innovative, ecologically responsible, and directly beneficial to the local region. Project completion is scheduled for summer 2026.

GOLDBECK SOLAR Group

GOLDBECK SOLAR pursues the vision of developing solutions that protect the climate and are in harmony with nature, thereby ensuring the basis for a healthy, vibrant, and sustainable planet.

Founded in 2001, the company is part of the GOLDBECK SOLAR Group and a leading global provider of EPC and O&M services. Founded in 2018, the group of companies specializes in the turnkey construction of large photovoltaic power plants for open spaces or industrial and commercial roofs. The range of services covers the entire value chain from project development and financing to the construction and integration of storage technologies, the technical operation and asset management of the plants and the direct sale of clean energy. The GOLDBECK SOLAR Group currently employs 550 people in 12 countries and has built 3.5 GW of solar power plants in 20 countries.

Further information can be found at https://goldbecksolar.com/en/

Press contact

Katarina Seitz 

Communications & PR Manager 

Mail: Katarina.seitz@goldbecksolar.com

Tel.: +49 170 1779667