Camilla Usher-Clark

The special purpose vehicle, acquired from ikigai Energy, holds the rights to build a maximum 19.9MW solar power scheme at Glasgow Airport.

Zestec, which is owned by funds managed by Octopus Energy Generation, will own and deliver the 40-acre ground-mounted scheme on the airport’s site, with completion of the first phase expected in mid-2024.

A multi-disciplinary team at Burges Salmon advised Zestec on the transaction, including on the negotiations relating to the power purchase arrangements, a grid sharing arrangement and the land arrangements with the airport. The team was led by Camilla Usher-Clark and Ross Fairley supported by a group of experts from the firm’s tax, real estate, projects and planning teams.

Lead partner Camilla Usher-Clark said: “It has been a pleasure working with Zestec on its first airport solar project, which plays an important role in the decarbonisation of the air travel industry and the UK’s Net Zero ambitions. Our Net Zero lawyers have been at the forefront of the development of the UK solar market since 2010 and this sector insight, coupled with our cross-disciplinary legal expertise, meant we were well placed to advise on this complex flagship project.”

Chief operating officer of Zestec Toby Smith added: “We are excited to include this solar plant, designed to help Glasgow Airport decarbonise its operations, in our growing family of behind-the-meter solutions. The Burges Salmon team has the experience and agility to deal with complex matters and we’re grateful for their ongoing support with this project.”