Ridge Clean Energy has outlined proposals for its 41MW Great Oaks Renewable Energy Park in Cumbria, England.
The hybrid development would combine wind, solar and battery storage, as well as establishing an estimated £100,000 annual community benefit fund for the duration of its planned 35-year lifetime.
Four wind turbines with 149.9-metre tip heights are expected for installation.
Construction is planned on a mix of grazing and agricultural land that has “good access” to a grid connection.
“The Great Oaks Renewable Energy Park could help Cumbria adapt to the biggest challenges currently facing communities in the UK – climate change, energy security, and the rising cost of living,” said Great Oaks project manager Richard Barker.
“The Ridge team have a proven track record in developing high quality UK renewable energy projects while working alongside local communities to create enduring and sustainable local benefits.”
The proposed development would be located near to Cumbrian businesses and industry, allowing for direct connections that could provide businesses with a reliable source of renewable power over an extended period.
Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) chief executive Jo Lappin said: “We are delighted to support Ridge Clean Energy in delivering its Great Oaks Renewable Energy Park proposal.
“This fits with CLEP’s twin net-zero priorities of clean energy generation and business decarbonisation, with the proposal delivering on both of these and at the same time providing a financial contribution to the local community.”
Public exhibitions for the project are due to take place in early August.


