A large-scale solar power project has been unveiled for Britain’s leading scientific and innovation hub at Harwell.
The Science Technology Facilities Council, working alongside EDF Power Solutions, has filed a planning request with Vale of White Horse District Council for an extensive photovoltaic array.
The Environmental Impact Assessment screening documentation details a 15-megawatt solar setup on land at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory within Harwell Campus, located to the south of East Hendred and south-west of Didcot, west of the A34.
The system is projected to operate for roughly 35 years and avoid approximately 3,250 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year.
The modules would sit on ground-based frames organised in rows across a 25-hectare area, with around 12.5 hectares allocated for the three-metre-high solar panels.
The scheme additionally covers supporting equipment such as inverters located behind the panels, transformer units, and a freshly constructed access road.
The applicant has pledged to carry out an extensive planting scheme featuring trees, hedgerows and grassland which would screen views from public pathways, generate better wildlife habitats and improve the National Landscape area.
The development group staged a public information event to unveil the project on March 12, giving local inhabitants the chance to understand the proposals and question project personnel.
A statement from the developers indicated that as an organisation with substantial energy demands across their operations and facilities, and acknowledging the effects of climate change, the Science Technology Facilities Council recognises the importance of cutting emissions. The statement noted that having previously installed photovoltaic solar panel systems on rooftops and car parking areas at existing buildings, the Science Technology Facilities Council now proposes a purpose-built off-site photovoltaic solar installation which will significantly decrease their carbon emissions and also lower overall electricity expenses for the organisation.
Planning officers at Vale of White Horse concluded that a formal environmental impact assessment will not be required for this scheme, with a complete planning application expected soon.
Officers noted in their planning assessment that considering the nature of the development, it is not considered that there would be potential for notable environmental impacts. They added that all matters are considered to be of local importance only and can be addressed through the standard planning procedure.
The applicant confirmed that all construction-related traffic would travel via Harwell Campus to prevent effects on local highways.
The applicant further stated that the proposed solar array has been assessed as a practical, environmentally responsible and deliverable approach to meeting the current energy needs of the Science Technology Facilities Council while supporting expansion and development.
Harwell Campus spans 280 hectares and functions as a science and technology business park hosting over 250 enterprises, with more than 7,500 scientists and staff employed at the location.