Sustainability: Why is JLR Investing in Solar Energy?
According to the IEA, solar PV generation increased by a record 320 TWh (up 25%) in 2023, reaching more than 1,600 TWh.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is launching a new, large-scale solar farm at its Gaydon headquarters in Summer 2025.
Spanning 26 hectares, this 18 MW solar installation covers the equivalent of 36 football fields, contributing up to 31% of the site’s energy needs.
The completion of this site marks the first of three of its projects in the UK.
Beyond the solar farm, JLR has prioritised environmental enhancement by planting native wildflowers and restoring hedgerows to promote biodiversity around the solar panels.
Expanding solar capacity
At the Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre (EPMC) in Wolverhampton, JLR is set to finalise a major rooftop solar panel addition.
With more than 18,000 panels, this will be the UK's largest automotive rooftop installation.
This development aligns with the government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan released in December 2024, which aims for solar capacity to reach 45–57 GW by 2030.
The EPMC facility will generate approximately 9,512 MWh annually, equivalent to powering more than 3,500 homes for a year.
The solar capacity will supply almost 40% of the site’s energy requirements, crucial for producing electric drive units and batteries for JLR’s upcoming vehicle line-ups.
Additionally, a plan is underway to establish over 10 MW of solar car ports at the Halewood site in Merseyside starting in 2026.
"The UK is a world leader in renewables, so I'm delighted to see JLR is leading the way and helping the UK become a clean energy superpower,” says Sarah Jones, The UK's Industry Minister.
“We’re serious about the benefits of net zero, which is why our modern Industrial Strategy is driving growth into our clean energy sector to attract even more investment and create jobs, backing the Plan for Change."
Global progress on renewable energy
JLR’s renewable energy strategy extends beyond the UK.
In China, its joint venture CJLR has completed a 20 MW expansion of its rooftop solar array.
Since becoming operational in May 2025, the system has generated more than half of the plant’s monthly electricity consumption.
“JLR is proud to have delivered these renewable energy milestones,” says Andrea Debbane, Chief Sustainability Officer at JLR.
“They are important because they directly reduce our global operational emissions and help move us closer to our net zero goal, whilst delivering tangible value today and for the long-term.
“The delivery of our self-generated renewable energy projects across the UK and China is part of our strategic shift to gain greater control over our energy mix against a backdrop of uncertainty, reducing our reliance on volatile markets and global grid infrastructure.”
