Have your say on plans for new solar farm in Atworth

A NEW solar farm and battery storage facility has been proposed on land adjacent to Studley Farm, Atworth, and the developers want to hear your views.

Behind the plans are renewable energy developers Enso Energy who say the proposed solar farm will provide renewable electricity for distribution to the National Grid, providing the equivalent annual electrical needs of thousands of family homes. 

Plans for the solar farm are in the early stages, and Enso Energy are inviting the local community to attend a public consultation event this Thursday, 24th June, from 2pm to 7pm at Atworth Village Hall.  

Local residents will be able to see the developers’ plans, learn more about the proposal and talk to the project team.  

In order to ensure the event is as safe as possible, you’ll need to register for an appointment slot by visiting https://ensoenergy.co.uk/enso-projects/studley-solar-farm  

Director at Enso Energy, Ian Harding said, “At Enso Energy, it’s crucial that local communities are able to see and shape planning applications that may have an impact on them. That’s why we are inviting the local community to safely have their say at our public consultation event, as well as via our local resident brochure that was distributed by post.  We’ve got to change the way we make energy in the UK. Our proposals follow Wiltshire Council’s declarations of a climate emergency, and the local and national climate change targets that are enshrined in law.” 

About their proposal for the site in Atworth, Enso Energy say, “This project would generate a significant amount of energy each year of the proposed 40 years of operational life, while also providing a substantial carbon dioxide saving when compared to generation of electricity by non-renewable sources.  

“The proposals include battery storage which will allow energy to be stored on site at times when grid-demand is lower and exported at times of higher demand to ensure no energy is ‘lost’ and help balance the National Grid. 

“It is estimated that the generating station would have an export capacity of (potentially) up to 49.9 MW for distribution to the National Grid, providing the equivalent annual electrical needs of thousands of family homes.  

“The need for increased renewable energy is urgent and is in a context of declared national and local climate emergencies. All efforts must be made to ensure the UK meets its legally binding target to reach net zero emissions by 2050, whilst also driving forward a green recovery from the pandemic.” 

“While there are no statutory landscape, heritage or ecological designations on site, as part of the developer’s site surveys and further assessments they will be considering these matters carefully in developing their proposals for consultation.  

“The development forms a temporary (40 year) use of farmland that is easily reversed at the end of the operational life. A scheme of landscape and ecological improvements will be prepared to support the application, ensuring the project provides a biodiversity net gain. 

“The UK Government and many local authorities, including Wiltshire Council, have declared Climate Emergencies in response to the growing and imminent threat posed by climate change, and this application proposes precisely the type and location of new energy infrastructure needed to help counter that very serious threat.”