- EDF has signed a long-term route-to-market PPA with Aukera to offtake 100% of the renewable power generated from Benthead Solar Farm, co-located with a 31MW battery system, with commissioning set for 2026
- The Benthead project in North Ayrshire, Scotland, is expected to power over 25,000 homes and cut around 17,000 tonnes of CO annually, supporting the UK's low-carbon transition
- EDF will optimise the site's battery via its PowerShift platform, using AI-driven real-time trading to maximise grid value and revenue
EDF has entered into a new partnership with Aukera, a leading specialist in European renewable investments and development, to provide a long-term route-to-market Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 100% of the output from the Benthead Solar Farm, a new-build project co-located with a 31MW battery energy storage system (BESS).
Located in North Ayrshire, Scotland, the Benthead project was successfully awarded a 15-year Contract for Difference (CfD) as part of Allocation Round 6 - a key mechanism in the UK Government's strategy to drive investment in renewable electricity generation.
The agreement will run for a term of 9 to 11 years, depending on the commissioning date of the battery, further strengthening EDF's role in enabling the UK's transition to a low-carbon future through clean, dispatchable power. This collaboration marks the first time EDF, Britain's largest offtaker of renewable power and biggest optimiser of batteries has partnered with Aukera.
Pexapark, a leading provider of renewable energy PPA benchmark prices, market intelligence, and advisory services, acted as commercial advisor to Aukera on the partnership, offering guidance on key structural aspects of the PPA and BESS agreements.
This offtake structure provides a strong example for the GB market as the number of hybrid projects in permitting and development continues to grow. According to the UK's Renewable Energy Planning Database, 40% of wind and solar projects at advanced stages of development, representing 10.6GW of new capacity, are co-located with BESS. As such, Pexapark is expecting strong growth in this segment as those projects advance through development.
The Benthead project is 100% owned by Aukera and has been financed and will be built as part of a 250MW portfolio. It is forecast to generate over 78.4GWh of electricity per year - enough to power more than 25,000 homes, while preventing around 17,000 tonnes of CO emissions annually. With commissioning targeted for 2026, the site is expected to generate a total of 705-862GWh over the PPA term.
The project represents a next-generation model of co-located renewables and flexible storage. The site shares a 63MW grid connection between the solar farm and the AC-coupled battery asset, enabling strategic control of exports to maximise the site's overall grid value.
In addition to the PPA, EDF has also signed a separate optimisation agreement for the battery system via its PowerShift platform. PowerShift provides real-time trading and operational support for flexible assets, using advanced AI, machine learning algorithms, and industry insight to maximise performance and revenues across various wholesale, balancing, and ancillary markets.
Christopher Dalley, Director of Wholesale Market Services, at EDF said: "We are proud to partner with Aukera on this exciting project which reflects our shared vision of a cleaner, more flexible energy system. The integration of long-term PPA stability with cutting-edge battery optimisation through PowerShift demonstrates how EDF supports the UK's net zero ambitions while unlocking greater value for renewable asset owners."
Mike Forber, Regional Lead GB&I - PPA & BESS Transactions at Pexapark, added: "It has been a pleasure to support Aukera with this agreement, securing long-term revenues for Aukera's first solar and storage hybrid project that will deliver significant value to the UK energy system. We expect PPAs for solar-plus-storage to increase significantly over the next few years, and deals like this help lay the groundwork for market growth."
About EDF
EDF is helping Britain achieve Net Zero by leading the transition to a cleaner, low emission, electric future and tackling climate change. It is the UK's largest producer of zero carbon electricity and supplies millions of customers with electricity and gas.
It generates low carbon electricity from five nuclear power stations and more than thirty onshore wind farms and two offshore wind farms. Since 2009, EDF has invested almost £8 billion in the nuclear fleet to improve reliability and extend station lifetimes. The five generating stations currently supply about 14% of the UK's electricity demand.
EDF is leading the UK's nuclear renaissance with the construction of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C. We also continue to support a replica plant at Sizewell C in Suffolk, which is now majority owned by the UK government. Hinkley Point C and Sizewell C will provide low carbon electricity to meet 14% of UK demand and power around 12 million homes.
EDF is one of the UK's largest investors in renewables, with more than 1.5GW of renewable generation in operation and over 14GW in construction, planning and development across a range of technologies including onshore and offshore wind, solar and battery storage. We are constructing our largest offshore wind farm in Britain - the 450 MW Neart na Gaoithe project in Scotland.
EDF is helping its customers, both in business and at home, take their first steps to sustainably powering their lives, whether it is buying an electric car, generating and storing electricity, selling energy back to the grid or installing solar panels or a heat pump. EDF is one of the largest suppliers to British business and a leading supplier of innovative energy solutions that are helping businesses become more energy independent. In addition, the company's energy services business, Dalkia, is one of the largest technical service providers in the UK and Ireland.
EDF is part of EDF Group, the world's biggest electricity generator. In the UK, the company employs around 14,000 people at locations across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
About Pexapark
Pexapark is the trusted provider of PPA benchmark price data, market intelligence, and advisory services for renewable energy.
Offering a comprehensive suite of solutions, Pexapark empowers energy market participants to build strong investment business cases, execute successful transactions, and optimize portfolio revenues and risk management strategies.
With daily benchmark prices for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) covering solar, onshore and offshore wind and energy storage, Pexapark delivers unparalleled market insights. By combining unmatched market-based data with expert analysis, Pexapark provides deeper context on the factors driving renewable energy prices.
Founded in 2017 by seasoned energy traders, Pexapark has grown into a leading authority in renewable energy pricing and market insights. Leveraging deep industry expertise, Pexapark's Advisory team brings together diverse backgrounds in energy trading, investment, and development.
Pexapark's mission is to accelerate the transition to net zero by fostering an efficient and transparent renewable energy market.
For more information, visit: www.pexapark.com
