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 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 chose the location for Scalm Park Solar Farm because it connects efficiently to the nearby Northern Powergrid Ferrybridge B substation through an underground 132kV cable, allowing us to supply electricity directly to the local distribution network.

To identify the best location for the project, we conducted a detailed site assessment of the area around the substation. We evaluated various factors, including proximity to the national distribution system, potential impacts on sensitive receptors such as residential or ecological sites, planning restrictions, topography, and ground conditions. After carefully considering all options, we determined that this site was the most suitable.

To minimize any potential impacts, we are committed to providing local benefits through this development, including biodiversity net gains, a community benefit fund, and opportunities for local employment.

The solar panels themselves are silent, but the inverters produce a low humming sound, similar to an air conditioning unit. To address this, we include a Noise Impact Assessment with every planning application. This assessment evaluates the noise levels in relation to the nearest sensitive receptors to ensure minimal impact on the surrounding area.

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.

round-mounted solar installations currently use about 0.1% of all land in the UK. To meet our Net Zero target of 70 GW, this figure may rise to only 0.3%. By comparison, golf courses occupy 0.5% of UK land (Carbon Brief).

When selecting sites for solar farms, we actively avoid the most suitable farmland for arable use, defined as ‘Best and Most Versatile’ land (classified as 3A and below) under the Agricultural Land Classification guidance.

At Scalm Park, the temporary nature of the site means we will return the land to its original state once the project is decommissioned. Additionally, solar farms allow farmers to diversify their income, enabling them to continue farming other parts of their land while supporting renewable energy production.

Our BESS sites typically consist of shipping containers approximately 2.9 meters high. These containers can be easily screened using landscaping techniques like bunding, planting trees, and restoring hedgerows. The most visible part of the site is likely the electrical infrastructure at the onsite substation, which blends with the surrounding landscape.

We will submit a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment with our planning application to evaluate and address any visual impacts.