We need solar farms as a vital part of the UK’s energy strategy. They provide a clean, fossil-fuel-free source of electricity and are one of the most affordable energy options available. Solar power is four times cheaper than gas and twice as affordable as nuclear, making it a key solution for reducing energy costs.

The UK Government has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 100% below 1990 levels by 2050, achieving Net Zero. Solar power plays a critical role in meeting this target. As part of this strategy, the government aims to install 70 GW of solar power by 2035. As of December 2023, we have achieved 15.7 GW of installed capacity, demonstrating significant progress but highlighting the work still to be done.

We chose this site because it is close to a viable connection point in the grid network, with Spennymoor offering the capacity for a timely and cost-effective connection. This connection directly impacts the affordability of the electricity supplied to end users.

To identify the best location for the project, we conducted a detailed site assessment of the area surrounding the National Grid substation. We evaluated multiple factors, including proximity to the national transmission system, potential impacts on sensitive receptors such as residential or ecological sites, planning restrictions, topography, and ground conditions. After thoroughly reviewing all options, we determined that this site is the most suitable in every respect.

We use Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to store renewable energy, such as solar and wind, and release it when power is most needed. While their primary function is to capture surplus clean electricity and discharge it later, they also provide essential grid stability services. For example, they help us manage voltage and frequency imbalances caused by fluctuations in renewable energy generation. 

Across the UK, we lose large amounts of renewable energy, like wind and solar, when we cannot immediately use it because we lack sufficient storage capacity.

In 2024, consumers paid more than £393 million to discard 8.3 TWh of wind energy due to a lack of battery storage infrastructure. This lost energy could have powered approximately 2.3 million homes during that time. Instead, the UK was forces to rely on gas imports from foreign markets.

To meet the UK’s net-zero goals and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, it is essential to expand BESS capacity – from 5GW to more than 22GW before 2030.

At Grenergy, we are proud to be part of this green energy transition, with our projects setting a new benchmark for renewable energy solutions delivered at the right scale, in the right place.

We are committed to delivering a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain through native planting, such as wildflowers, hedgerow restoration, and woodland installation to support local wildlife and habitats.

Additionally, we aim to establish a community benefit fund to support local causes and organizations, providing direct investment into the community.

BESS sites are under frequent scrutiny regarding fire safety, due to the large quantities of lithium-ion batteries in a confined space. Fire mitigation is therefore at the forefront of considerations at all sites like this one. The National Fire Chiefs Council provide the following advice to all developers of BESS sites. The summary of fire safety measures are as follows:

• Engagement with local fire authority and planning authority with emergency response plans, fire water management strategies and fire safety management plans
• Separation distances or thermal barriers between all equipment, including the battery containers
• Fire detection, monitoring and prevention systems installed within all battery modules
• Sufficient ventilation (cooling fans) to maintain temperatures for all potential scenarios
• Water supply – onsite to meet the demand of the local fire authority, e.g. hydrants or water tanks
• Multiple access routes and space within compounds to ensure fire engines have access to and within the site

Grenergy have taken all advice on-board to produce a design which aligns with this guidance and is detailed in the documents submitted with the full planning application.

We are committed to minimizing traffic impacts during the construction period through careful route planning and traffic management. Once the site becomes operational, traffic will reduce significantly, averaging only 1–2 vans per week. A full Construction Transport Management Plan will accompany our planning application.