Mega solar farm project gets government backing

The government has given the green light to a new solar farm in Lincolnshire, which could cover an area the size of Heathrow Airport. The Tillbridge solar project consists of a generating station with an anticipated capacity in excess of 50MW, comprising ground mounted solar arrays, with associated development comprising energy storage, grid connection infrastructure and other associated development for the construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of the solar farm.

Once up and running, it is anticipated that the scheme, which is close to the village of Glentworth and south of the A631 between Gainsborough and Caenby Corner, would be able to power about 300,000 homes, making it larger than any currently built.

When announcing the decision, Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:” Families across Lincolnshire and the rest of the country have seem their energy bills go through the roof as a result of our exposure to volatile gas prices. Solar is one of the cheapest and quickest power sources we can build. It is crucial in our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, giving us energy security, good jobs and growth across the country.”

The project has received criticism from local campaigners and the countryside charity CPRE has called on the government to change its support for large-scale ground-mounted solar projects. CPRE chief executive Riger Mortlock says: “Our research has revealed that almost 60% of the biggest solar farms are being built on the UK’s best agricultural land, with some of our finest landscapes needlessly sacrificed in the process.  

“We don’t need mega solar farms in the countryside. Previous CPRE research has shown that installing solar panels on the roofs of suitable domestic and industrial buildings, as well as on car parks, could easily deliver over 60% of the government’s target for solar energy.”