[SMM PV Flash] Colombian Solar Platform ERCO Secures $33 Million Equity Investment

Low Carbon has unveiled early-stage plans for the 500 MW West Oxfordshire Energy Park, combining solar generation with battery storage and associated electrical infrastructure; the storage capacity has not yet been disclosed. Public consultation is planned for early 2027, and the project will require a Development Consent Order as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. If approved, the development could generate electricity equivalent to the annual demand of around 145,000 homes and avoid up to 154,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year.

Gülermak Renewables has secured £35 million from NORD/LB to finance construction of the 48 MW Hanningfield solar farm in Essex, marking the company's first UK project financing. The project has a 20-year offtake arrangement under the UK's Allocation Round 7 Contracts for Difference scheme covering all expected generation, together with a 10-year route-to-market agreement with ElectroRoute. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in August 2027, with the contracted revenue structure supporting bankability through construction and operation.

Qair has announced the first disbursement from a €37.9 million financing package for its Gassi and Lamadji projects in Chad, comprising 30 MWp of solar and 8 MWh of battery storage. The African Development Bank and Proparco each provided €15.2 million in loans, supplemented by €6 million in reimbursable grants and €1.5 million in additional funding; an €8 million partial risk guarantee supports payment obligations under the offtake arrangement. The projects are backed by a 20-year PPA with national utility Tchadelec and are expected to generate about 65 GWh annually, equivalent to the yearly electricity needs of roughly 260,000 people.