Prime Minister Boris Johnson helped install the first solar panels at the UK’s first large-scale clean energy park, Carland Cross in Cornwall.

Johnson joined ScottishPower CEO Keith Anderson and engineers to install the first of 10,000 photovoltaic solar panels at the site, which will create a 10MW solar farm.

The solar park complements an energy park that already includes an existing 20 MW wind farm and a 1 MW battery storage system.

The site is a short distance from Carbis Bay, Cornwall, where world leaders will meet for the G7 summit later this week.

Johnson said: “I am committed to supporting Cornwall’s ambition to be the UK’s first Net Zero region. The Carland Cross Hybrid Power Park offers a bright and exciting vision for a carbon-free future that will protect our planet and create jobs for years to come.

Anderson added: “The UK needs to quadruple its renewable energy production over the next 30 years if we are to have any chance of reaching Net Zero.

“We are very proud to launch our first hybrid energy park as the UK hosts both the G7 and COP26 on its shores. “

The Carland Cross solar farm is expected to complete its first export later this year, with plans for two more solar farms at ScottishPower’s Coldham and Coal Clough wind farms underway.

ScottishPower Renewables also submitted a planning request for a further extension of the Whitelee wind farm – the UK’s largest onshore wind farm and housing a 50 MW ‘super battery’ which includes a 40 MW solar farm and storage of energy by 50 MW battery, as well as the production of green hydrogen. establishment.