Huge solar farm proposed for rural part of North Lincolnshire
It would span over seven fields, or approximately 85 hectares, of agricultural land
A solar farm capable of powering over 12,600 homes a year has been proposed in a rural part of North Lincolnshire.
Culham Renewables Ltd is seeking planning permission to create Pilfrey Solar Farm on agricultural land between Ealand and Keadby, in Axholme North Ward and six kilometres west of Scunthorpe.
The solar farm would have up to 49.9MW capacity. It would span over seven fields, or approximately 85 hectares, of agricultural land.
The land is primarily the highest grade, ‘excellent’ agricultural quality, Grade 1, and the rest is Grade 2.
However, the location would be within Keadby Farm, which is already a mix of arable crops and a wind farm.
Sirius Planning state on behalf of the applicant in a submitted document that most of the local area has the best and most versatile agricultural land.
"power over 12,600 homes a year"
“It is unlikely there would be lower grade agricultural land within close proximity to the proposed point of connection that would make a solar proposal viable,” Sirius Planning state.
The site was considered a suitable location given it is adjacent to Keadby Power Station and associated energy infrastructure to connect to the grid.
It is predicted the solar farm would have capacity to power over 12,600 homes a year, and would offset approximately 13,400 tonnes of CO2 every year.
The solar farm would also last 40 years.
In addition, there would be a net biodiversity gain of 99 per cent in habitat units.
Sirius Planning state in a planning document the transition to decarbonise the UK’s power grid by 2035 is predicted to see an increase in electricity demand of 40-60 per cent, all of which must be met by renewable energy sources.
In 2021, solar photovoltaic’s share of the UK’s renewable capacity stood at 28 per cent.
If approved, construction of the solar farm is predicted to take six months. It is estimated 157 deliveries will be needed during this period, working out at six deliveries a day, based on construction work six days a week.
Community involvement has already taken place for the scheme.
This has included initial outreach with community stakeholders and neighbours back in 2023 and a website and online form for feedback on the proposals that was launched in May 2024.