Construction begins on solar farm at Sutton Bridge

Construction is underway on the 49.9 MW Sutton Bridge Solar Farm, EDF Renewables’ first major solar project in the UK which will be capable of generating renewable electricity for more than 9,800^* households, and deliver significant benefits locally, including an annual community benefit fund of £20,000.

Following public consultation by both EDF Renewables and South Holland District Council planning permission was granted in March 2021, and early-stage works have now begun on site, with generation of green electricity likely by late 2022.

EDF Renewables’ Head of Solar, Ben Fawcett said, “At a time when tackling climate change and energy security are at the forefront of all our minds, EDF Renewables is proud to be starting work on Sutton Bridge Solar Farm, and we acknowledge the role that the local community plays in helping to make that happen. 

“In addition to the £20,000 annual community payment, we will be implementing a biodiversity management plan, which includes planting of native species hedgerows to support local wildlife. The site gets plenty of sunshine and is near to a grid connection, making this an excellent location for a solar farm.”

The 49.9 MW solar farm will also save 21,681^** tonnes of carbon emissions annually, and EDF Renewables is looking to install EV charging points near to site to help the local community transition to electric vehicle ownership.

Experienced solar construction company, Anesco, has been appointed by EDF Renewables to build the site and provide operational and maintenance support. Having constructed more than 100 solar farms and 30 energy storage facilities, and with monitoring responsibilities for more than 24,000 solar sites across the UK and Europe, Anesco are well placed to take on board EDF Renewables’ first major solar project.

In addition to Sutton Bridge, EDF Renewables has 3 GW of other solar projects at different stages of development or in planning, including a solar farm in Redcar which will support an innovative green hydrogen project incorporating wind energy, in the Tees Valley.

NOTE TO EDITORS
Connection to the grid will be made underground to nearby Walpole substation. The development will consist of rows of solar panels mounted on a metal frame structure with driven piles. The site entrance is off the existing access road for the Sutton Bridge Power Station off Centenary Way, and an underground connection to the grid will be made at Walpole substation.

About EDF Renewables
EDF Renewables UK and Ireland is a subsidiary of EDF Group, one of the world’s largest low carbon electricity companies, and our investment and innovation is reducing costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits for communities. With our operating portfolio of 38 renewable energy sites including battery, onshore and offshore wind (together totalling 1 GW) we are providing much needed affordable, low carbon electricity. We have an expanding portfolio with almost 5 GW of projects in planning and development, including wind, battery and solar PV. 

Please visit our website for further information https://www.edf-re.uk/our-sites/sutton-bridge-solar.

^* Based upon the average domestic electricity consumption per home (temperature corrected) per the Energy Consumption in the UK (published July 2020, Table C9 of ECUK: Consumption data tables)
^** Based upon DESNZ’s “all fossil fuels” emissions statistic of 450 tonnes of carbon dioxide per GWh of electricity supplied in the Digest of UK Energy Statistics (published July 2020, p96) 

For more information
Lindsey Southworth lindsey.southworth@edf-re.uk           
Head of  External Affairs        
(M) 07813 230379    

Angharad Davies angharad@cadnocomms.co.uk
Cadno Communications
(M) 07918 722080