A SMALL firm in the North-East has won a £26m deal to power BT’s new research centre from what is believed to be the largest solar energy farm in the UK.

In addition, Newcastle-based UK-SE has secured £425m from investors to spend on solar projects and it pledged to invest as much of the funding as possible in the North-East.

The landmark BT deal will see Adastral Park, the telecom firm’s main research and development site at Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, take a massive eight megawatts of power from UK-SE’s solar site at Brightwell, which is due to be completed next month.

The solar farm covers 16 hectares, equivalent to about 40 football pitches, and contains more than 32,500 solar panels.

UK-SE said it could help cut BT's energy costs by about 30 per cent.

Don Lord, chief executive of the Newcastle-based energy firm, said: “This is the largest dedicated private wire solar project anywhere in the United Kingdom and it is testament to BT’s willingness to engage and work with smaller business.

“From UK-SE’s perspective, this project has given us the credibility to roll out zero cost solar farms to many other UK and North-East corporates which is undoubtedly a positive for the region with vast environmental benefits.

“We look to help both small and large businesses by providing a no obligation analysis of a company’s half hourly energy data (electricity and gas), which gives enough information to understand the opportunities for alternative energy sources and ways to save money for that business.”

The project will create about 50 construction jobs, with roles such as civil contractors, landscapers and fencing providers on offer. UK-SE said it would employ North-East workers wherever possible.

Farooq Hakim, BT’s regional director for the North-East, said: “Today’s announcement is great news. Not only has BT signed a deal with will reduce our impact on the environment but they have signed that deal with a company based here in Newcastle.

“With more than 4,000 (BT) employees living and working in the region it’s important that we support local businesses where we can and continue to contribute to the success of the North-East.”

UK-SE began life in 2008 as part of the Government funded National Renewable Energy Centre Since 2010 it has operated independently, delivering millions of pounds of energy savings to clients across the UK.

From its headquarters at St Peter's Basin, on the north bank of Tyne, the five-strong team identify renewable energy solutions such as solar, wind and biomass, for companies looking to reduce costs and their dependence on the national grid.