Cero Generation, alongside its UK development partner, Enso Energy, announces that it has reached financial close on the Bumble Bee Project, a co-located utility scale solar PV and battery energy storage project, connecting to the West Burton substation near Doncaster in the UK.
The project will deliver 78 MWp of solar PV generation together with a 120 MW battery energy storage system (BESS), strengthening Cero’s UK portfolio and supporting the delivery of reliable, low carbon electricity generation alongside flexible energy storage capacity.
Financial close has been reached with a group of lenders including ING, NORD/LB, Rabobank and Santander UK. This is the second project to be financed through Cero’s Gemini portfolio facility, following the financial close of the 115 MW Bramley project last summer. That project is now under construction.
Revenues for a portion of the battery will be secured by a long-term tolling agreement with ENGIE. Under the 10-year agreement, ENGIE will optimise 70MW / 140MWh battery capacity, further strengthening its position in the UK flexibility and energy management market. This is Cero’s first Tolling Agreement and the first Tolling Agreement signed on a co-located asset in the UK. EDF will provide optimisation services for the remainder of the battery and route-to-market services for the solar PV.
Construction of the Bumble Bee Co-Located Renewable Energy Project is expected to begin in the coming months. Cero will work with Metlen, the appointed engineering, procurement and construction contractor, to deliver the project. JA Solar will supply the solar panels, and Sungrow Power will supply the BESS.
Declan Deasy, Chief Executive Officer of Cero Generation, said:
'Reaching financial close on the Bumble Bee Co-Located Renewable Energy Project is an important milestone for Cero and reflects the continued confidence of our lending partners in our UK portfolio and delivery capability. With Bumble Bee now at financial close, we are on track to achieve our target of over 1GW of projects in operation across our core markets.'
Bill Rees, Managing Director of Enso Energy, commented:
'Reaching financial close on this project reflects both the strength of our partnership with Cero and the dedication of the Enso team. Through the Connection Reform process, early engagement with National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) and NESO, including confirmation of connection dates for both technologies, has been invaluable in keeping the project on track.'
'This project also shows why co-location is essential. By constructing solar and battery storage in parallel behind one grid connection, we deliver more capacity, faster and more efficiently, exactly what CP30 is intended to achieve.'
Nathalie Morichon, Managing Director UK Energy Management at ENGIE said:
'We are pleased to close this 70MW, 10-year battery storage tolling agreement with Cero Generation, securing long-term access to flexible capacity and strengthening ENGIE’s position as a leader in the UK flexibility market.'
Christopher Dalley, Director of EDF Business & Wholesale, said:
'We’re delighted to be partnering with Cero to optimise the Bumble Bee Co-Located Renewable Energy Project. This collaboration showcases how our cutting-edge optimisation strategies and co-location expertise can unlock greater value for our partners and support the shift toward an electric Britain powered by clean, flexible energy.'
Sylvan Jonker, Head of Renewables & Power NL at ING said:
'It’s great to have supported Cero with the financing of their latest co-located solar and BESS project, further growing their footprint in the UK. This transaction marks another step forward in ING’s commitment to accelerate the energy transition and deliver flexible, resilient, and sustainable power solutions for the UK.'
Jorn Leeuwendal, Deputy Head of Energy Origination at NORD/LB, said:
'We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Cero by financing its latest co-located solar and BESS project near Doncaster. Co-located sites are critical to accelerating the UK’s renewable energy transition, and this project will play an important role in boosting the country’s PV capacity and stabilising the national grid.'
Marc Schmitz, Head of Project Finance Europe at Rabobank said:
'We are delighted to have supported Cero on this co-located solar and storage project, and we congratulate them on achieving this important milestone, which reflects the pleasant and productive collaboration we have built across previous developments. This achievement reinforces our shared commitment to supporting flexible, clean energy infrastructure in the UK, and we look forward to continuing our work together on future projects.'
Mark Cumbo, Director, Structured & Specialist Finance at Santander UK said:
'We are pleased to have once again supported Cero with its latest co-located solar and BESS project. The project is another milestone that positions Cero as a key and strategic player in the renewables sector, helping the UK with its energy transition. We look forward to working with Cero to deliver this and future projects.'
Nikos Papapetrou, Chief Executive Director, Renewables, Storage & Energy Transition Platform Pillar, METLEN, stated:
'We are pleased to support Cero with METLEN’s integrated capabilities, including the delivery of the grid connection works, which are critical for the successful integration of renewable capacity into the UK power system. This project further reinforces METLEN’s position as a trusted partner for complex hybrid renewable projects in the UK and underlines our continued commitment to supporting the country’s energy transition with reliable and high-quality solutions. The Bumble Bee Co-Located Renewable Energy Project is another example of how utility-scale solar combined with battery storage can deliver resilient, flexible and modern energy infrastructure.'
James Li, Director ESS and Vice-President Sungrow Europe commented:
'We are proud to partner with Cero and Enso Energy on this project. The Bumble Bee Co-Located Renewable Energy Project exemplifies our commitment to advancing clean energy solutions that support grid stability. With our PowerTitan BESS technology, we can assure highest levels of efficiency, safety, and scalability, to meet the evolving energy needs of the UK and beyond.'
About Cero Generation
Cero Generation is a leading IPP, specialised in developing, constructing and operating solar energy and battery storage projects, accelerating the delivery of a net-zero future across Europe.
Powered by an experienced team that brings world-class industry, commercial, engineering and environmental expertise to its projects, Cero is active through every stage of the lifecycle, from planning and construction to operation. It works closely with local development partners, suppliers and stakeholders to deliver high-impact projects that positively benefit the environment and community.
Source: Cero Generation
