EDF Renewables Set To Add 100 MW Solar Projects In UK By 2022 End

EDF Renewables, UK, has begun to prepare and construct the site on two approved solar farms in the UK, with the projects totaling almost 100 MW every year. The solar projects are 49.9 MW each in different parts of UK. The first solar project will begin to generate power in the end of 2022.

EDF Renewables UK head of solar Ben Fawcett has been quoted as saying, “At a time when tackling climate change and energy security are at the forefront of all our minds, EDF Renewables UK is pleased to have made good progress at these two sites. The sites get plenty of sunshine and are near to a grid connection, making them excellent locations for solar.”

Before the work could start since the takeover in March 2021, the EDF conducted environmental and ecological pre-construction surveys, finalised planning conditions and highway permits, appointed contractors and engaged with local stakeholders. A community liaison group has also been set up for both projects to foster good links with local people. The liaison group will also work to leverage the local people by making them as part of the extended company in as many ways as possible. Resistance to renewables on aesthetic and other environmental grounds has been an issue in Europe and the developed world especially.

Community benefit funds of £20,000 a year for each project will be available for good causes, and parish and community council involvement will ensure this flexible funding is used to support local priorities, which could be educational programmes, new kit for sports teams, biodiversity initiatives, and more, EDF said.

Furthering the larger causes of the community, the biodiversity improvements have been a focus at both sites and EDF Renewables UK has plans to implement wildlife corridors, plant new hedgerows, and, and in the case of Burwell, establish 1.8 hectares of new reedbeds. It may be added that EDF Renewables has 3GW of 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.