Freeths advises Zestec Renewable Energy on innovative solar carport developments at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

Leading law firm Freeths has advised Zestec Renewable Energy (Zestec) on the development of a 1.2MW solar carport scheme at LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort. Freeths advised on all elements of the power purchase arrangement and the real estate issues related to the development.

This deal will see Zestec develop and maintain the solar carport scheme, which will shade and protect cars for customers and employees, whilst generating over 1.1million kWh of clean energy annually. The power generated from the solar carports will be used to power on-site facilities, such as the new Woodland Village, LEGOLAND® Windsor’s first operationally carbon-neutral accommodation, which has been recognised as Carbon Neutral by the Carbon Trust.

Zestec Renewable Energy is owned by funds managed by Octopus Energy Generation, and is the UK’s leading renewable energy developer, helping commercial and industrial businesses harness the benefits of renewable energy with fully financed solutions. Ensuring protection against energy price volatility and cutting carbon emissions, Zestec’s model enables organisations to accelerate their net zero plans, without tying up investment capital.

Opening its doors on 17 March 1996, LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is a theme park resort, based and styled around the LEGO® brand. It is part of the Merlin Entertainment Group, which also owns Alton Towers, Thorpe Park, SEA LIFE and the London Eye, operating more than 130 attractions across 25 countries worldwide.

Leading the Freeths Clean Energy team on this project was Director Liam O’Flynn. He was supported by Partners Clare King and Michael Bray, Senior Associate Veena Velani and Associate Rosie Dickinson.

Commenting on the deal, Liam O’Flynn said: “We are delighted to support Zestec on the development of this project at one of the UK’s premier theme park attractions. This exciting new scheme, which showcases the strength and depth of Freeths’ clean energy cross-sector capabilities, was a pleasure to work on collaboratively with the client and the Merlin Attractions team. This project further demonstrates the potential of renewable energy in underused commercial environments like car parks, but is also closely aligned with Freeths’ own sustainability values as the UK’s largest Certified B Corporation™ law firm.”

Freeths’ dedicated team of over 100 clean energy, waste and sustainability solicitors acts for some of the UK’s major waste and re-usables companies, both private and public sector, including waste disposal authorities, waste collectors, transfer station operators, hauliers, brokers and operators of all types of waste treatment facility.