The whole of the UK can now benefit from clean energy produced by solar, thanks to a new solar farm connected to the national grid.
Connecting solar power directly to National Grid's transmission network marks a significant step in the renewable energy transition, allowing clean energy to be transported over greater distances and opening a gateway for larger projects to connect to the grid.
The new 49.9 MW Larks Green solar farm is the first in the UK to be directly connected to National Grid’s high voltage transmission network, with previous solar projects having been simply connected to their local Distribution Network Operator’s system.
The solar industry is also working closely with Britain’s farmers to reduce their energy costs and improve the sustainability of their operations. To meet the UK government’s net zero target, the Climate Change Committee estimates that between 75-90 gigawatts (GW) of solar power will be needed by 2050.
The solar plant comprises 152,400 solar modules installed in a 200-acre plot near National Grid's 400kV Iron Acton substation. It will generate over 73,000MWh annually – enough to power the equivalent of over 17,300 homes – and will displace 20,500 tons of CO2 each year compared to traditional energy production.
The solar farm will be co-located with a 49.5MW / 99MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). By storing energy during peak power generation and exporting it back onto the grid when demand is high, the BESS will balance the intermittent energy production, maximise the site's efficiency and allow a greater output of clean energy.