Anesco has begun the installation of a 5MW solar farm on the site of the former Askern Colliery in Doncaster, continuing its partnership with regeneration firm Harworth Estates.
The farm will comprise more than 20,000 solar panels and be set over 12.5 hecatres, with development set to complete before the summer.
Anesco has previously collaborated with Harworth to develop three solar farms in Nottinghamshire last year, the largest of which being the 11.2MW solar array at Welbeck which completed last July.
Completion of the Askern project will take the capacity of colliery sites redeveloped by Anesco to 25MW, and Anesco director of solar, Lee Adams said Harworth is an “excellent partner” for the firm.
“The former Askern Colliery site represents a perfect opportunity for us as it fulfils the criteria in the National Planning Policy Framework of utilising low grade land like landfill that has previously been developed, rather than utilising high value agricultural land,” Adams said.
Anesco has also this week appointed a new commercial director, recruiting former EDF head of energy services, Delvin Lane.
Lane also has experience at the Carbon Trust, National Grid and Centrica, and said the company was setting “new bench marks” in the energy sector.
“Its growth and the impact it has had on the industry as a whole has been nothing short of remarkable. I am thrilled to be part of the team,” he added.
