Eversheds has advised Rockfire Capital (“Rockfire”), a specialist investment management company, on the acquisition of Swindon Solar Farm Limited, owner of one of the UK’s largest operational solar PV projects, from the WELink Energy (U.K.) Ltd group of companies (“WELink”).

The Eversheds team was led by partner Stephen Hill with support from Matthew Hussey (Corporate), Amelia Gibbons (Property) and Sacha Bacco (Energy construction).

The project, which was developed by British Solar Renewables (“BSR”), the UK’s leading fully integrated solar developer, has been built on a former RAF airfield now owned by the Science Museum Group (“SMG”), approximately 6km south of Swindon. The 172-acre site comprises 231,660 solar panels and has a capacity of 60.9 MW, making the project one of the largest solar assets in the UK. It will generate close to 60 GWh of electricity per annum.

Swindon Solar Park beneficially utilises disused land and has been constructed to provide additional environmental benefits including enhancements to habitat and biodiversity for wildlife at the site.

Stephen Hill said:

“The renewable energy sector has created a wealth of opportunities for investors. As their largest renewables transaction to date, this is a milestone for Rockfire. Our Renewable and Clean Energy team are leading experts in the market and we are delighted to have assisted Rockfire on the acquisition of a landmark solar asset.”

Commenting on the acquisition, Liam Kavanagh, Rockfire Founder & CEO said:

“We are delighted to have completed the successful purchase of Swindon Solar Farm which adds to our growing portfolio of renewable energy assets and will support our plans to further expand in both the UK and European markets. The advice and support we received from Eversheds was invaluable in getting this complex transaction to completion.”

BSR were advised by TLT LLP and WELink were advised by Pinsent Masons LLP.