Piramal Pharma Adds 4.3 MW Solar Plant at Morpeth Site

Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS) is expanding its renewable energy infrastructure at its integrated drug substance and product facility in Morpeth, UK. The company is adding a 4.3 MWp ground-mounted solar power plant to support its decarbonization strategy. This move aims to reduce reliance on grid electricity and lower long-term energy costs for the site.

The project involves installing approximately 6,200 solar panels across 16 acres of land. Once operational, the plant will generate around 3,950 MWh of renewable electricity annually. This output meets roughly 22% of the Morpeth site's total annual electricity demand, equivalent to powering 1,460 UK homes.

Solar Array Covers One-Fifth Of Site Power Needs

The installation is being delivered under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Alight UK BTM1 Limited, a solar developer and independent power producer. According to Manufacturing Chemist, this structure allows PPS to source clean energy without bearing the full capital expenditure of the construction. The agreement secures a stable supply of renewable power for the manufacturing operations.

Frank Bugg, Senior Vice President of UK & Europe Operations at PPS, stated that the project integrates sustainability into core operational decisions. He emphasized that the initiative brings value to customers and shareholders by enhancing energy resilience. The onsite generation capability provides a buffer against external energy market fluctuations.

Emission Reductions Targeted Over 25-Year Period

The solar plant is projected to prevent an estimated 20,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) emissions over 25 years. This reduction aligns with the parent company Piramal Pharma Ltd.'s long-term decarbonization strategy. By replacing fossil-fuel-based grid electricity, the facility lowers its carbon footprint while maintaining production capacity.

Rob Stait, Managing Director of Behind the Meter at Alight, noted that the project addresses multiple business priorities simultaneously. It lowers emissions, strengthens energy resilience, and manages long-term costs. This approach offers a practical solution for UK manufacturers seeking to balance operational efficiency with environmental goals.

Operations Scheduled For Early 2027 Launch

Construction is currently underway, with operations scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2027. The timeline reflects standard development phases for utility-scale solar installations. PPS expects the facility to reach full capacity shortly after commencement, immediately contributing to the site's energy mix.