The joint venture between the Green Investment Group (GIG) and Enso Energy has taken a step forward as it looks to develop 49.9MW in Gloucestershire.
The Larks Green Solar farm would consist of both solar PV and battery storage, with a planning application currently submitted to South Gloucestershire Council.
The site will utilise a fixed tilt system with bifacial panels in a bid to maximise the energy produced per hectare of the site, which spans 106 hectares over 24 adjoining fields.
“Our ambition is to use the latest solar technology to make a positive impact on the country and communities we work with,” Ian Harding, director at Enso Energy, said.
The site is to be located near the Iron Acton substation, and public consultations have been run on the development with an aim of finding out local residents’ opinions.
Enso Green Holdings Limited – the name of the joint venture – is intending that the power generation will be sold through a power purchase agreement (PPA).
“There is an urgent requirement for renewable energy generation that which the Proposed Development would fulfil; whilst being suitable to the Site and its surroundings; according with national and local planning policy and relevant material planning considerations; and delivering significant biodiversity benefits,” the planning documents read.
A green corridor is to be created with new native planting linking to a proposed nature area to the east of the site, with Enso Green Holdings claiming the project will achieve a 25% net gain for biodiversity.
The joint venture between GIG and Enso was unveiled in June, with the two outlining their plans to develop 1GW of subsidy-free solar across England and Wales
The developments are all to be backed by PPAs, with GIG having already supported 7.5GW of renewable projects in the UK outside of this joint venture.
Enso Energy, meanwhile, has 1,500MW of distributed generation in the UK, predominantly gas-powered balancing plants.