Work starts on Sutton Bridge solar farm

Work is starting on a new solar farm in Sutton Bridge.

EDF Renewables has started to construct a 49.9 MW Sutton Bridge Solar Farm, which it says will be capable of generating renewable electricity for more than 9,800 households.

Planning permission was granted by South Holland District Council in March 2021with generation of green electricity likely by late 2022.

The 49.9 MW solar farm is thought to save 21,681 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, and EDF Renewables is looking to install EV charging points near to site to help the local community transition to electric vehicle ownership.

Head of Solar, Ben Fawcett said, “At a time when tackling climate change and energy security are at the forefront of all our minds, EDF Renewables is proud to be starting work on Sutton Bridge Solar Farm, and we acknowledge the role that the local community plays in helping to make that happen.

“In addition to the £20,000 annual community payment, we will be implementing a biodiversity management plan, which includes planting of native species hedgerows to support local wildlife. The site gets plenty of sunshine and is near to a grid connection, making this an excellent location for a solar farm.”

Experienced solar construction company, Anesco, has been appointed by EDF Renewables to build the site and provide operational and maintenance support.

In addition to Sutton Bridge, EDF Renewables has 3 GW of other 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.

Metal detectorist, Martin Morris, claims that the energy firm is barring him from searching for King John's Treasure on the site.