JBM Solar, part of the RWE Group, has announced plans for a new 20MW solar project and accompanying battery energy storage system between Cotgrave and Radcliffe-on-Trent that would generate enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of 7,900 homes.
Details of the proposals are available at https://heronsolarfarm.co.uk/ and the community has been encouraged to find out more about the plans and to provide feedback as part of a consultation period that will help to shape the plans.
Heron Solar Farm is proposed for a site off Stragglethorpe Road, between Cotgrave and Radcliffe on Trent. Developers say that the site was carefully chosen for its discretion and sensitivity, in a location with minimal visibility from surrounding residential communities.
JBM Solar commit to achieving a minimum of 50% biodiversity net gain on every site, by protecting and preserving biodiversity, while also creating new high-quality habitats including bat and bird boxes, wildflower meadows, and insect hotels.
The UK government and Rushcliffe Borough Council both strive to be net-zero carbon economies by 2050. The (BESS) included as part of the proposals will ensure that any energy generated is not wasted, whilst also providing on demand services to the national grid, further helping to reduce energy bills. By producing solar energy domestically, the UK can combat climate change, while becoming less reliant on expensive foreign gas imports for electricity and heating
Heron Solar Farm will play a critical role in supporting these local and national targets, delivering enough clean renewable energy to power nearly 8,000 homes.
Project Manager, Bente Klein, commented on the importance of solar energy in tackling climate change, stating:
“Our plans for Heron Solar Farm are at an early stage and we strongly encourage the community to actively participate in the consultation process. Local insight and feedback will help to shape the proposals for the betterment of the local area.”
“Solar energy is well-positioned to assist in the decarbonisation of our energy market, as it is rapidly deployable, inexhaustible and is the cheapest form of electricity generation. Investment in solar energy would enable the UK to generate zero carbon electricity, reducing our reliance on foreign energy imports in an uncertain and fluctuating global market.”
“We are committed to supporting the local community and have established a community benefit fund of £60,000 to support local projects. We are keen to hear as part of our community consultation what local people would like to see this fund used for.”
“We are eager to hear from local people, so if you are able, please come down to our in-person consultation event on the 7 September at Cotgrave Social Club, or visit our virtual exhibition online and let us know what you think.”
JBM Solar will be holding an in-person consultation event at the Cotgrave Social Club on Woodview (NG12 3PJ) on 7 September between 2 pm and 7 pm. Local people are welcome to attend to learn more about the proposals, ask questions and provide feedback.
Feedback on the proposals will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on 20 September 2023 and will be considered by JBM Solar, helping to inform the final plans that will be submitted to Rushcliffe Borough Council.
