On Monday 15th July Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy Security, approved 3 major solar farms to begin production in the East of England.
Government Approves Major Solar Sites
16th July 2024, Tara McManus
In a significant move towards sustainable energy, the UK government has approved the development of the Mallard Pass Solar Project. This will be a part of three major solar sites recently approved and is set to become one of the largest solar farms in England. It will feature a solar photovoltaic array with a generation capacity surpassing 50 MW, alongside electrical storage and connection infrastructure.
The public and local areas were allowed to voice their views on the proposal. Residents, the local government, and other interested parties were able to take part in this six-month examination.
After a thorough examination, Ed Miliband, the Secretary of State for Energy Security, approved it on July 15. This decision marks a milestone as the 83rd energy application was approved under the Planning Act 2008, highlighting the government’s commitment to involving local communities in decisions impacting their environment.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the promising progress, the push towards renewable energy is not without its challenges. The UK’s solar power growth has fluctuated due to unstable government subsidies. It has been pointed out that the UK’s solar power industry was once one of the most attractive European markets until the government announced in 2015 that solar subsidies were to be cut.
Another concern is the heavy reliance on China for solar panel production. With China manufacturing around 80% of the world’s solar panels, the UK faces potential issues in its supply chain. Additionally, the national grid will need significant upgrades to accommodate the new solar farms. This includes the construction of new pylons and transmission lines, which may encounter resistance from local landowners and farmers, as seen by the opposition to the Mallard Pass project.
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For more information on the Mallard Pass Solar Project, visit the official announcement here.
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