Independent power producer Enviromena has been given the green light to build a solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) in County Durham.
Hartlepool Borough Council has approved the plans for High Barns Solar Farm in Elwick.
The solar project, which has a capacity of 49.9MWac, will be capable of providing enough clean energy to power nearly 26,000 homes every year.
Located on land adjacent to the A19, the project will be built along with a 25MW battery storage system and will help to avoid around 14,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Enviromena will now move forward with the next phase of development to deliver the scheme, which is the company’s largest self-developed project consented to date.
“We’re proud that High Barns Solar Farm has been approved, representing another important step in delivering clean, reliable power to UK homes,” said Mark Harding, chief development officer at Enviromena.
“This project not only supports national net zero targets but also reflects our commitment to investing in the communities around our developments.
“The support we’ve seen from the local community, along with the exemplary co-operation from Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning officers and committee members, truly highlights what can be achieved when renewable developers and local government are genuinely aligned.
“It’s a refreshing contrast to some of the more challenging experiences we’ve encountered elsewhere.”
As well as providing clean energy, High Barns Solar Farm will support local biodiversity, with plans to enhance existing hedgerows and create wildflower meadows and grassland habitats beneath the solar panels.
Through collaboration with the council, the development will also to help to facilitate improvements to the public right of way network around the site.
Enviromena has committed to supporting community initiatives and projects in the local area, including extending its support for the Oaksway Netball Team into the 2025/26 season.