EDF Renewables held a celebration to mark the commercial operation of its first solar farm in the UK – and the start of a community benefit fund for local organisations.
The 49.9MW Sutton Bridge solar farm in Lincolnshire began generating clean, renewable electricity last year.
The project is capable of generating enough low carbon electricity for the domestic needs of more than 9000 households annually.
A £20,000 per annum community benefit fund has been released, administered by Lincolnshire Community Foundation.
To mark the occasion, EDF Renewables welcomed members of the local community and some of the first organisations to receive funding to the Sutton Bridge solar farm.
Guests found out more about the biodiversity improvements that have been delivered on site and what is involved in running an operational solar farm.
Head of origination and planning at EDF Renewables UK Grant Folley said: “Solar is already playing an important part in the UK’s journey to net zero so we are very proud that our first UK solar farm, Sutton Bridge, began operating last year.
“During development, we placed a great amount of focus on improving biodiversity on site, so it is encouraging to see a variety of ground nesting birds, rabbits and muntjac now on site as a result of this hard work.
“What’s just as important is for renewable projects to positively impact the communities nearby, who are hosting these critical assets.
“We were therefore delighted that through the operation of our Sutton Bridge solar farm, we are able to support vital organisations and groups in the area including Sutton Bridge Foodbank and the local bowls club who have received some of the first grants from the community benefit fund.”
The Sutton Bridge site was the first of three solar sites that EDF Renewables began operating last year, with Burwell in Cambridgeshire and Porth Wen in Anglesey.
These solar farms join the 45 battery, onshore and offshore wind projects that the company already has in operation.
Lincolnshire Community Foundation’s grants manager Katie Littlewood said: “We are delighted to be working once more with EDF Renewables, ensuring the community benefit fund supports projects in the local area, helping to build a better future for residents.
“Our first round was a huge success and we look forward to seeing more applications from clubs, groups and organisations in the near future.”
In addition to the solar farm, a battery storage system will also be developed on site following approval from South Holland District Council last week.
The battery will provide resilience and flexibility to the electricity grid as more renewables come online, charging when demand is low and providing power when it is needed the most.