East Suffolk Council has given the green light to the Park Farm solar park, a project with the capacity to generate up to 21 MWp of renewable energy.
This is enough to power approximately 5,250 homes and offset up to 4,650 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Twin Solar Projects Powering Over 10,000 Homes
Earlier this year, in January 2024, East Suffolk Council also approved the Town Farm solar park, which boasts a similar generating capacity to Park Farm. Together, these two developments will meet the annual electricity needs of over 10,000 homes and displace nearly 10,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.
Both projects prioritize ecological enhancement. They include measures such as planting species-rich grassland and native hedgerows, and creating meadow grassland beneath and between the solar panels. Town Farm solar park will deliver a 178% net gain in Habitat Units and a 52% net gain in Hedgerow Units. Park Farm solar park also boasts an impressive 106% net gain in Habitat Units and a 116% net gain in Hedgerow Units.
Both projects are developments by British Solar Renewables (BSR). BSR, the UK’s largest privately-owned, integrated solar developer, has over a decade of experience and has successfully developed more than 700 MW of solar PV across 57 projects.
Supporting Climate Action and Net Zero Goals
The UK Government and East Suffolk Council have declared a Climate Emergency, acknowledging the urgent need to address climate change. As a local authority, East Suffolk Council has committed to “put the environment at the heart of everything we do.” Town Farm and Park Farm solar parks will play a crucial role in supporting the council’s Climate Action Framework and helping the UK achieve its Net Zero obligations.
BSR is dedicated to ensuring that the local community benefits from these projects through a community benefit fund. A partnership with Kelsale-Cum-Carlton Parish Council has already been established for Town Farm solar park. Similar discussions are ongoing with Pettistree Parish Council regarding a community benefit fund for Park Farm solar park.
Leading the Charge for a Greener Future
Carla Hardaker, Development Director at BSR, said: “These two projects exemplify our commitment to leading the charge towards a greener future. We are proud to pioneer a new era of responsible renewable energy development – one that not only generates clean electricity but also enriches the local ecosystem through ecological enhancements. Both these projects are a testament to BSR’s dedication to innovation, sustainability, and community collaboration, and we are excited to make a positive impact in the fight against the climate crisis, together.”