Lincolnshire academic says solar farms should be seen as investment - not political battleground
As Lincolnshire approves the UK’s largest solar farm, a local academic urges a shift in focus from division to long-term opportunity.
Lincolnshire is at the forefront of the UK’s renewable energy rollout - but large-scale solar farms continue to divide opinion.
Dr Andrew Kithriotis, an honorary senior fellow at the University of Lincoln, says the focus should be on the long-term benefits of projects like Tillbridge Solar Farm, near Gainsborough, set to become the UK’s largest.
“The Tillbridge announcement was quite exciting,” he said. “It will give us energy security, shield people from volatile gas prices, and help us move away from fossil fuels.”
He argues solar farms can also boost the local economy through skilled jobs and investment in renewable technology. “Solar should be seen as a long-term investment in the county,” he said.
But local opposition remains strong. Lincolnshire County Council has described recent approvals as “appalling”, saying the county is being treated as “a dumping ground for projects” that would “dwarf nearby villages” and “consume high-quality farmland.”
Campaigners from the 7000 Acres Group also oppose the developments, warning of the “industrialisation of the countryside” and loss of productive farmland.
Dr Kithriotis says he understands those concerns but believes the wider environmental gains should be part of the conversation.
“Properly designed solar farms can actually deliver biodiversity net gains compared to traditional agricultural use,” he said.
“This shouldn’t be a political issue - it’s a moral one about doing what’s right for future generations.”