Komatsu UK partner with AR Power to install solar PV system
New system expected to generate approximately 1.6 million kWh of electricity annually
KOMATSU UK, a global leader in construction and mining equipment, has partnered with solar installation company AR Power to install a 1.76MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system at their North East manufacturing facility in Birtley. The installation of the advanced solar system is part of Komatsu’s ongoing strategy to improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and meet sustainability goals across their manufacturing operations.
The new solar PV installation, which comprises 3,912 panels, is expected to generate approximately 1.6 million kWh of electricity annually, significantly reducing Komatsu’s reliance on grid electricity and cutting their carbon emissions by an estimated 8.75 million kg per year. This aligns with both their own global sustainability targets and the UK’s push towards greener manufacturing solutions.
Paul Blanchard, managing director of Komatsu UK, said: ‘This partnership with AR Power allows us to integrate renewable energy solutions into our manufacturing operations, reducing energy costs and enhancing sustainability. The decision to invest in solar power reflects our ongoing commitment to improving energy efficiency and reducing our carbon footprint, while also supporting long-term cost savings through asset finance.’
Komatsu chose an asset finance model over a power purchase agreement (PPA) due to the higher return on investment and anticipated payback period of around seven years. The solar PV system, once fully operational, will be owned outright by Komatsu following the completion of the finance term, allowing the company to benefit from long-term energy savings.
Stephen Armstrong, head of commercial at AR Power, said: ‘This project demonstrates how manufacturing companies can utilize renewable energy solutions to improve operational efficiency and reduce energy costs. We are proud to have designed and be currently installing the largest commercial solar panel installation we’ve undertaken, reflecting the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions across the industrial sector.’
The solar PV project, which began at the start of the year and is scheduled for completion by July 2025, will provide reliable, cost-effective energy for Komatsu’s operations at the Birtley site, where the company manufactures and supplies critical equipment for various industries, including quarrying.
