JBM Solar Submits BESS Proposal to Power Wychavon District for Roundhill

• JBM Solar has submitted a proposal for a solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) to Wychavon District Council. This project would provide the equivalent of 18,000 Wychavon homes' electricity needs and is an important step towards achieving net zero carbon goals.

What happened?

JBM Solar has submitted a proposal for a solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) to Wychavon District Council in order to provide the equivalent of 18,000 Wychavon homes' electricity needs. The Roundhill solar farm is located to the south of Earls Common Road in Inkberrow and will include green infrastructure such as picnic areas, permissive paths, a visitor car park, a community orchard, enhanced public rights of way, an educational trail and outdoor classroom. Residents have raised questions about the site’s historic link to the author JRR Tolkien, although there are no references in consulted sources of any specific connection with the site. (Source: JBM Solar).

 Why does it matter?

This project is an important step towards achieving net zero carbon goals, as it will produce the equivalent annual electricity needs of over 18,000 Wychavon homes. Additionally, the site will be preserved as greenfield before, during and after it is decommissioned, unlike other developments, and would provide around £7.6m in local business rates. This project is a great opportunity to provide sustainable and renewable energy for years to come and will help to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. 

What's next?

The proposal will now be reviewed by Wychavon District Council, who will consider the potential benefits and potential impacts of the project. The council will also consider the feedback from the community engagement and consultation period and make a decision on whether to approve the project. If approved, the project could be completed within the next two years.