Plans have been submitted for a new solar farm which could generate enough power for 22,000 homes.
Pathfinder Clean Energy UKDev Ltd (PACE) says that the proposal for a 49.9MW solar farm on agricultural land off Guanockgate Road, Sutton St Edmund, would provide a regular income for the farm following the changes to subsidies after Brexit.
The firm wants to install solar panels along with battery storage, substation and associated works on a 140.5 hectare site of lower agricultural grading for a 40-year period.
Documents submitted with the application, which sits in South Holland and Fenland District Council areas, states that the proposal would provide renewable energy, ecological benefits along with a ‘more interesting and varied landscape’
It states: “The solar farm will contribute significantly towards social sustainability by indirectly providing low cost, clean power to businesses, contributing business rates and employing local people during construction.
“The additional power supplied to the grid will help support the growing electricity needs of communities and businesses in the area.
“Economically, the regular income from the solar farm will make an important contribution to the continued viability of the farm holdings, including investment in farming activities and protecting themselves during years of low agricultural yield. This is becoming increasingly important as a changing climate affects agricultural yields.
“Post-Brexit, farming subsidies are changing. Reductions are being phased over several years and farmers are being encouraged to introduce environmental projects on their land. The proposed development, which combines renewable energy, biodiversity enhancements and continued agriculture is an ideal example.”
The application states that panels will be 0.8m from the ground and no higher than 3.5m in height plus existing trees and shrubs will be retained.
The proposal also includes a 30MW battery energy storage system in 38 containers.
Source: Fenland Citizen