Natural England has published a guide to maximising the environmental benefits of large-scale solar parks, about 20 of which have been recently developed on farmland in the UK.
The aim of its latest Technical Information Note is to help developers and landowners deliver additional environmental benefits, above and beyond the provision a low-carbon source of electricity.
Born of discussions between the NFU, Natural England and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, this helpful collaborative document covers vegetation, soil and watercourse protection, biodiversity enhancement, landscape, compatibility with agri-environment schemes and RPA-approved guidance on eligibility for SPS.
Read Solar parks: Maximising environmental benefits here.
The NFU has also discovered a recent German report, 'Solar Parks - opportunities for biodiversity', prepared in English translation by the German Renewable Energy Agency. This covers some of the same ground, amply illustrated with photographic examples. Click here.
NFU comment
The NFU's chief renewable energy adviser, Dr Jonathan Scurlock, said: "Together, we believe these guidelines make a valuable contribution to the debate about multi-functional land use (environmental stewardship together with a source of land-based income that addresses climate change).
"While this summer’s Feed-In Tariff changes may have brought about a halt to further large-scale solar park development, the continued falling cost of solar PV modules and the urgent need to deploy renewable energy makes it likely that solar farms will be viable again in just a few years’ time."
- See also: 16 'solar farmers' beat the deadline
The NFU believes that at least 16 ground-breaking ‘solar farm’ projects beat the August 1 deadline, following the government decision to slash the incentives available.
No comments have been made.