Watson Farley & Williams (“WFW”) advised lenders NatWest and Lloyds Banking Group on the project financing of the Cleve Hill solar and battery storage (“BESS”) project. Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners are the sponsor and borrower. The project was arranged in two tranches, with the committed financing for the solar elements of the project completed in August 2024 and the financing for the BESS element of the project in March 2025.
Situated on the north Kent coast, Cleve Hill will generate renewable power through PV panels to provide clean power to the UK grid. It is the largest co-located solar and BESS project under construction in the UK and the first to be considered a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’. The solar BESS systems are expected to commence operation in 2025.
The multidisciplinary WFW London team that advised the lenders was led by Global Energy Sector Head and Head of London Projects Group Henry Stewart working closely with Senior Associates Gavin Jackson and Jenny Burns and Associate Ben Charles. Project development advice was provided by Partner Emmanuel Ninos, Senior Associate James Ballantyne and Associate Ben Harvey. Partner John Rosmini, Senior Associate Rhian Woodend and Associate Emily Harper advised on real estate law; Partner Nick Walker and Associate Hamish Ungless provided planning advice and Associate Elizabeth Gillespie advised on regulatory matters.
Henry commented: “We are pleased to have advised the lenders on this deal. Cleve Hill will have a meaningful impact on the UK’s decarbonisation goals. Our multidisciplinary offering showcases the range and depth of expertise within our London office and energy practice and our ability to collaborate effectively and effortlessly between teams, providing a full-service offering”.
