EDF explores environmental benefits of PV farms

• Designer is seeking academic research partners to perform ecological research at Longfield Solar Farm

EDF Renewables, collaborating with environmental working as a consultant Nature Positive, is looking for academic partners to provide a programme of ecological research to understand the environmental benefits of solar farms.

Concentrating On Longfield Solar Farm, a new solar farm suggested by EDF Renewables and also Padero Solar on roughly 380 hectares of intensive arable farmland near Chelmsford in Essex, the research study would be the very first to look at the positive effects large-scale solar farms can carry biodiversity, soil health and wellness as well as carbon, wildlife habitats and also farmland management in the UK.

The study programme will certainly connect into the existing strategies as well as dedications consisted of as part of the recommended Longfield Solar Farm to supply significant biodiversity improvements through habitat reconstruction and also management.

Along with affecting these strategies as well as monitoring their outcome, roughly 50 hectares within the solar farm will be readily available as an experimental area, whilst maximising solar energy generation.

Especially, it is hoped research studies at Longfield Solar Farm will certainly further understanding on the prospective impacts of solar arrays on wild animals and also biodiversity degrees in habitats under as well as adjacent to ranges, along with soil wellness as well as soil carbon storage.

Expressions of passion are being sought till 29 July 2022 from researchers to supply 3 work packages taking a look at the effect of solar farms on biodiversity, habitats on solar farmland and also the influence of solar farmland administration on soil qualities.

Mark Lang, from Nature Positive, stated: "Whilst solar farms have actually become increasingly important in satisfying the nationwide need for renewable energy, the potential benefits they can have in improving biodiversity as well as giving other community solutions have to date been badly comprehended.

" It is wished the research study will add to the cumulative understanding of exactly how solar farms can be effectively taken care of to enhance biodiversity, influencing present finest technique in the quickly growing solar sector."