SSE Renewables, a renewables subsidiary of Scottish energy company SSE, has begun construction of the 31MW Littleton Pastures solar project near the town of Evesham, Worcestershire, in the UK.

SSE Renewables’ solar and battery division selected Grupotec, a Spanish construction company, as the civil contractor for the project.

Construction has now started at the 77-acre site and the solar project is expected to begin operations in 2024. The project will generate enough clean energy to power 9,400 households.

Stark Energy, a Liverpool-based clean energy developer, initially advanced the project, which was acquired by SSE in January 2022 for an undisclosed amount.

SSE Renewables, solar and battery director Richard Cave-Bigley stated: “I am delighted that we have now moved into the construction phase of our first solar project at Littleton Pastures and to be working alongside our partners Grupotec.

“Connecting more renewable power to the grid is vital for the UK’s energy security and net-zero targets. We are looking forward to delivering more solar and battery projects across the UK, Ireland and Europe in the years to come.”

The solar project is part of SSE’s plans to invest £40bn ($50.92bn) in low-carbon energy projects in the years up to 2031/32.

The projects will be fully funded under an £18bn five-year investment plan until 2027. The company will also create more than 1,000 new jobs annually.

Grupotec vice-president César Moreyra stated: “We are grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate on this exciting renewable energy project at Littleton Pastures.

“The construction of this solar facility is an important step towards creating a more sustainable future and we are proud to be involved in its construction.”