Lightsource BP has confirmed it has secured planning approval for a 50MW solar farm near Castle Eden in Durham, UK.
The Hulam solar project, reported on in a previous subscriber-only issue of reNEWS, will use bifacial panels to increase energy production for corporate offtakers.
As Hulam is located within the distribution network operated by Northern Powergrid, Lightsource BP said it had to “overcome some engineering challenges” to connect to the 66kV network, a first for the company.
A bespoke Biodiversity Management Plan was submitted to the council as part of the application for Hulam, to ensure the site is enhanced for local wildlife.
This includes substantial landscape planting and seeding plans with a focus on native species, and the inclusion of bat and bird boxes around the site boundaries.
Lightsource BP business development director for Europe Conor McGuigan said: “We’re very pleased that our Hulam Solar Farm proposal has received planning approval.
“This project, and others like it, are an important part of the UK’s transition to a low-carbon future and offers an opportunity for businesses to secure predictably priced renewable electricity long term.
“Receiving approval for this site is a strong step towards meeting the global rise in energy demand efficiently and more sustainably.”