Work begins at huge solar project at Portsmouth’s LNH business campus

Construction of a huge solar project, poised to prevent more than 860 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year, kicked off last month at Portsmouth’s 130-acre Lakeside North Harbour (LNH) business campus.

It is one of the UK’s largest solar car park canopy projects and is earmarked for completion by the autumn of next year.

4.5MW of solar PV will be installed across the roofs of five buildings and solar canopies will be constructed in three parking areas, along with accompanying battery storage. 37% of Lakeside North Harbour’s electricity needs will be met by the installation.

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A 2MW battery will capture surplus electricity, which can be discharged during peak periods and also to the grid to support the local network.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for Lakeside businesses to benefit from the council's 2030 net zero target at no direct cost to them," said Simon Bateman, manager at Lakeside.

"Whilst the Council already provides a 100% green electric supply for the 55 businesses who occupy the campus, this incredible solar project will enable us to be even more sustainable by generating our own electric supply on site.

"The environment is a fundamental core value at Lakeside North Harbour – from creating the right atmosphere for our occupier community, to driving sustainability and efficient use of our valuable resources."

Terry Buckel, the CEO and founder of the business Astute Technical Recruitment, which has resided at the site since 2018, added: "This is great news for occupiers and the campus, driving us forward with our ESG ambitions.

"As a business, we are committed to recruiting great people to power a sustainable world, and this step aligns extremely well with our values and goals. To have it literally on our doorstep is a fantastic added bonus."

LNH recently announced the arrival of Effective Energy Group, an organisation dedicated to promoting sustainable choices as its newest occupier.

LNH in Cosham was a recent winner of the South Coast Property Business Park and Workplace Environment Awards. The campus is home to more than 50 companies - international and local - and almost 5,000 jobs.

Residents include Babcock, Wiggle, Lead Forensics, Markerstudy, Virgin Media and Handelsbanken.

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