16.5 MW Lancaster University solar farm given green light

• A 16.5 MW solar farm to be improved land had by Lancaster University as part of the university's objectives of coming to be internet zero for utility-based power emissions by 2030 has been approved intending permission.

The university submitted the planning application for the solar farm in October 2021. The solar farm - which is to include 36,000 panels - is to be installed ashore which has actually previously given grazing land and open countryside, with the electrical energy produced to be made use of to power the university's Bailrigg university.

The 1.75 metre high, dual-facing panels will be set up in rows 8.7 metres in size with 3 metre gaps between each row. The panels will certainly then be connected to a collection of little inverter terminals as well as a substation that will be clad in stone as well as slate to fit with the surrounding atmosphere.

The university stated that during the examination stage there were some worries elevated around glare from the photovoltaic panels, specifically in connection with the close-by M6 freeway. Assessments of the glare concluded that M6 road customers would not experience representations, nonetheless, as a result of the distance, landform, bushes as well as trees.

Paul Morris, supervisor of capital projects as well as estate advancement at Lancaster University, said the university is currently the highest manufacturer of renewable energy of all UK universities.

" The solar farm will certainly lower our 'scope 1 & 2' emissions additionally, seeing a reduction of our utility relevant emissions by greater than 40%, which is a crucial calculated action in our drive for net absolutely no."

Lancaster University has additionally formerly carried out research study into impacts of solar farms on biodiversity. Late last year, research from the university discovered that changes to the way solar PV land in the UK is handled might see websites support 4 times as numerous bumble , while in 2019 the univeristy introduced the Solar Park Impacts on Ecosystem Services (SPIES) tool together with York University.

The SPIES tool is able to show the effect of different management approaches on ecosystem solution provision as well as recognize administration activities to enhance ecosystem services.

The prepare for the new 16.5 MW solar farm consist of a landscaping scheme to improve the hedges and timberland of the site it is to be built on, shielding views from local pedestrians as well as producing an atmosphere that will certainly sustain wild animals as well as increase biodiversity.

The land is additionally to be utilized by a joint initiative between the university and Students' Union referred to as Green Lancaster, which is to engage with staff and students on sustainability focused projects and also activities. The Green Lancaster group has therefore been involved with the project at various points throughout the planning phase, as well as has actually secured new sites to develop forest as well as preserve all-natural environments, all focused on making use of the land around the solar farm.