Economy
Somerset to get 5.4MW solar development
TGC Renewables has applied for planning permission for a 5.4 megawatt (MW) solar project in Somerset, after recently getting the go-ahead for a 4.8MW development neighbouring Devon.
Some 22,600 solar panels will be installed on 13 hectares of land near the village of Queen Camel, Yeovilton. They will provide a regular supply of clean electricity direct to both the national grid and a farm in south-west England.
Once in full operation, the project will be capable of delivering power to 1,480 Somerset homes.
The development has been set up to help alleviate the pressure of climate change on local farming communities, by producing low-carbon energy at reasonable prices.
“Farming in 2013 has a unique set of challenges”, said Rob Denman, director of TGC Renewables.
“Increasingly erratic weather patterns and low prices for farming produce are combining to threaten the financial viability of many farming businesses.
“Where TGC Renewable steps in, is to provide a secure source of income through green energy developments.”
The new project in Devon is part of the developer’s 50MW rollout of wind and solar capacity. It has aims to increase this total to more than 100MW over the next 12 months.
The firm’s planning application comes at a time when public support for renewable energy in the UK increased to 82% from last year’s 79% in the latest Public Attitudes Tracking Survey, conducted by the Department of Energy and Climate Change.
Further reading:
Devon set to get 4.8MW solar development
Increase in support for renewable energy in government poll
‘Largest UK solar project’ receives planning approval
Renewables given boost through Good Energy’s encouraging annual figures