Operation and maintenance mandate for UK solar portfolio

The 15 year contract will see BayWa r.e. providing a comprehensive range of operation and maintenance services to 16 solar farms across England and Wales. The framework also includes a mechanism for Magnetar to expand cover to a further 190 MW of its solar PV assets at a later date.

Tobias Bittkau, Global Head of Operation Services at BayWa r.e. said: “Following a competitive tender process, we’re delighted to be entering into this long-term partnership with Magnetar. BayWa r.e.’s renewable energy expertise, global resources and strategic ambition, combined with the group’s 90-year track-record of stability and diversification, mean we can offer our partners both innovative, industry-leading service and bankable long-term reliability.”

Alan Shaffran, Director of Magnetar Solar (UK), said: “Our tender set out to identify the right partner to operate, maintain and add value to our sites for the long term, and we are confident that BayWa r.e. can deliver in this role. Among other strengths, BayWa r.e’s focus on safety, systems and monitoring made them stand out from the crowd during the tender process. We are delighted to have such an experienced and committed team taking over the maintenance of the projects.”

Tess Sundelin, Managing Director of BayWa r.e. Operation Services Limited, said: “Throughout the process we have been consistently impressed by Magnetar’s detailed knowledge of the sites, thorough and thoughtful tendering and contracting strategy, and evident commitment to responsibly optimising the long-term value of their assets. This makes us especially proud to have been chosen to operate and maintain the portfolio. Our experienced UK team is excited to now get to work looking after these solar farms and enabling them to perform to their full potential.”

The Magnetar Solar (UK) mandate follows close on the heels of BayWa r.e.’s recent selection as long-term O&M provider to Good Energy, and the opening of its new Milton Keynes office. Underpinning these developments is an ambitious programme of ongoing strategic investment into the UK operation services business. BayWa r.e. now services close to 800 MW of large-scale solar and wind farms in the UK, and over 2,900 MW of renewable energy assets worldwide.