A near 50MW solar farm has been completed near Norwich and has begun generating renewable energy for the local grid in one of the biggest schemes of its kind.
The development by Scottow Moor Solar (SMSL) is located on the former site of RAF Coltishall airbase, which is now home to a business park. The 49.9MW solar farm was completed in time for the 31 March Renewables Obligation deadline.
Work began on the final elements of the solar farm in January and involved the installation of more than 70,000 solar panels on land adjacent to the runways and aprons and new underground connections to the local UKPN electricity network.
The first phase of the scheme, which remains owned and operated by SMSL, was completed in March 2015.
David Fyffe of Scottow Moor Solar said: “We are delighted to have completed our solar farm. It’s been another monumental effort by everyone involved to get the work completed on schedule: our contractors and suppliers, as well as the teams at Scottow Enterprise Park and UK Power Networks.
“We hope that by providing onsite and sustainable electricity generation, the SMSL solar farm can help attract new investment into Scottow Enterprise Park.”
Colleen Walker, chair of Norfolk County Council’s economic development sub-committee, said: “I would like to congratulate everyone involved with the completion of the solar farm. This is a very exciting time for Scottow Enterprise Park, generating economic growth to the north east of Norfolk.
“With the provision of clean, renewable energy, this positive investment for the future shows Norfolk County Council’s long-term commitment to the Enterprise Park.”