agrivoltaics

Over the 30-year lifespan of the development (pictured), sheep grazing will take place around the panels. Image: Blenheim Palace/Pete Seaward.

Blenheim Estate solar plant completed, biodiversity ‘already seeing an uplift’

May 2, 2025
Blenheim Estate has become a net generator of green energy following completion of a solar power plant covering 20 acres of the estate’s land.
It has been suggested that to meet the UK’s net zero goals, solar PV would take up 0.29% of available land (and 0.51% of all available agricultural land). Image: Pexels.

Government launches land use framework to protect high quality farmland, support clean energy ambitions

February 3, 2025
The UK government has opened consultation on a land use framework that could make it less likely “high quality farmland” is lost to renewable energy projects.
The site is predicted to have a biodiversity net gain of 98.40% in habitats units, 189.90% in hedgerow units and 10.19% in watercourse units. Image: RES.

RES submits planning for 49.9MW Beane Solar Farm

January 3, 2025
Renewables developer RES has submitted its planning application for a 49.9MW solar PV development co-located with energy storage.
The flock will be managed by local farmers Phil Weaver (pictured, centre) and Pete Wilson and double as vegetation management. Image: Elements Green.

Agrivoltaics deal to bring 9,000 sheep to 1GW solar park

December 23, 2024
The Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park, being developed by UK-based Elements Green, will be the “largest UK solar farm to embrace grazing”.
A large stretch of solar PV in the countryside.

Mythbusting: solar PV’s impact on agriculutural land

August 28, 2024
Perhaps Labour’s biggest contribution to the solar industry in the UK (so far) has been the change in messaging about solar developments.
Protest groups are increasingly calling on local councils and the government to refuse or revoke planning permission for large-scale solar developments. Image: Iqony SENS.

Public consultations: What locals want from solar developers

June 19, 2024
Getting planning permission for new UK solar developments can be a long process, made harder by various rounds of consultation.
Screenshot-2024-05-29-125939

Debate on use of agricultural land for solar installations continues

May 29, 2024
The National Farmers’ Union of Scotland signed a deal with Iqony Solar Energy Solutions to support Scotland’s net zero ambitions.
Councils will be told to consider other local solar farms when considering new applications, focusing on the ‘cumulative’ impact. Image: Lightsource bp.

Ministerial statement: solar panels must not be built on good farmland

May 15, 2024
A statement will be laid before Parliament urging councils not to approve planning permission for solar farms on high-quality farmland.

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