Solar, alongside wind and battery storage, is a significant enabler for the UK to reach its net zero target by 2050. Each project will generate enough low carbon energy for the equivalent of 9,500 homes*.
It is expected the solar farms will both be built by the end of 2022 and EDF Renewables will work closely with local communities to make sure they are aware of what is happening on each project during the construction process. Community benefit funds will be offered at each site in form of an annual £10 thousand payment provided to the communities surrounding both solar farms to invest in local initiatives or people. The management and administration of the funds will require further engagement with the local community over the coming months.
EDF Renewables will be making a number of biodiversity enhancements at each site. At Burwell there will be more than a kilometer of new native species – rich hedgerows and new 5 meter wide reedbeds will be created along the perimeter of the site. At Porth Wen the solar farm will be on 190 acres of land which will still be able to be used for sheep grazing. There’s also going to be a mile long wildlife corridor and wildflower planting. These improvements will allow for foraging, breeding opportunities and will provide shelter for a variety of wildlife.
Onshore and Solar Director, Mark Vyvyan-Robinson, said, “We are very happy to be adding these two excellent new projects to our growing solar portfolio. EDF Renewables is an experienced developer and we are firmly committed to solar as a technology which will help us accelerate a net zero future where clean energy powers all our lives. Investments like these are also contributing to the UK’s green economic recovery from COVID – 19.”
EDF Renewables is currently developing a number of other solar farm projects in the East of England; Sutton Bridge near Spalding in Lincolnshire, Tye Lane near Bramford in Sussex, Bloy’s Grove between Swainsthorpe and Mulbarton in Norfolk and Longfield near Chelmsford in Essex (a joint venture with Padero).
*Load factors based on the five year rolling averages on unchanged configuration basis using Table 6.5 of 'Digest of UK Energy Statistics' - latest figures as per July 2020 release.
