DLA Piper advises BayWa r.e. on the sale of three UK solar projects to Octopus

Global law firm DLA Piper has advised BayWa r.e., a leading renewable energy developer, on the sale of three solar projects to Octopus Energy Generation, one of Europe’s largest specialist renewables investors. The solar farms, with a combined capacity of 222 MWp, are set to supply renewable power to approximately 80,000 households in the UK.

The three projects, Driffield (48 MWp), South Fambridge Hall (52 MWp), and Corner Copse (72 MWp), are ready to build, with construction set to commence this year. BayWa r.e. will construct all three projects under an EPC arrangement, with Driffield also featuring a 30 MW battery energy storage system to be built by Octopus.

BayWa r.e. has entered into 20-year agreements for these projects, ensuring long-term operations and maintenance as well as commercial asset management services. The projects emphasize improving biodiversity and providing community benefits, including creating habitats, planting wildflower meadows, and supporting local communities through benefit packages.

Christine McGregor, Managing Director, UK & Ireland at BayWa r.e., commented: "It has been great working with DLA Piper on these projects -their sound and pragmatic advice was invaluable to the successful closing of the transaction. We now move onto construction, and look forward to seeing these projects reach commercial operations. Solar remains crucial to our goal for energy security a fully net zero electricity system.”

Natasha Luther-Jones, Global Co-Chair Energy and Natural Resources sector and International Head of Sustainability and ESG at DLA Piper, added: “The sale of these significant solar projects to Octopus Energy Generation reflects the growing demand for renewable energy assets in the UK, and the important role of our market-leading renewables practice in navigating clients through such complex transactions. Our work supporting BayWa r.e. is the latest success in supporting our clients in achieving their sustainability goals and advancing the global renewable energy sector.”

Partners Natasha Luther-Jones and Stephen Atkinson (Leeds) led the DLA Piper team advising BayWa r.e., with key contributions from legal director Edwin Truesdale (Edinburgh), senior associates Jacques Camilleri (Edinburgh), Simon Winterburn, Scott McHugh and Tav Bonsall (Leeds).