SSE Renewables has started construction of its first solar project in Worcestershire.

The energy company has appointed Grupotec as civil contractor for the project near Evesham.

The 31MW solar development at Littleton Pastures is a 77-acre site and is set to be operational in 2024.

SSE recently set out plans that could see the group invest up to £40bn in low carbon technology across the decade to 2031/32, with a fully funded £18bn five-year investment plan to 2027. 

In doing so the energy company will be recruiting for more than 1,000 new green jobs a year.

“I’m 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,” said Richard Cave-Bigley, director of solar and battery at SSE Renewables.

“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.”

SSE’s Solar and Battery division recently became part of SSE Renewables to scale up its 2.5GW pipeline of projects, both at home and abroad. 

These assets complement SSE’s existing portfolio of other low carbon infrastructure such as wind and hydro.

Littleton Pastures is SSE Renewables’ third solar and battery project under construction, alongside battery sites already underway in Salisbury and Ferrybridge.