The developer of a major new solar park in the UK has unveiled a multi-million pound partnership that will lead to British steel being exclusively used to construct the site.
Great North Road Solar & Biodiversity Park, near Newark, would produce enough clean energy to power every home in Nottinghamshire.
The site’s developer, Elements Green, has announced a new multi-million-pound partnership with Pro Renewables which will also help to create a further jobs boost for the local area.
UK project director Mark Noone (pictured centre) said: “This partnership means GNR Solar & Biodiversity Park would be the largest solar development in the UK to use mounting frames constructed using only British steel.
“And not only does the deal with Pro Renewables mean we are committed to using only steel made in the UK, but British labour will be utilised to manufacture our mounting frames – creating new job opportunities in Newark and Sherwood.
“These are part of our wider commitment to ensure that the benefits of the development can be felt in more ways than just cheaper bills and a healthier planet.”
An estimated 6,637 miles of steel would be used for the site, enough to stretch from London to Kuala Lumpur, while the gross weight of 32,655 tonnes is the equivalent of three Eiffel Towers.
The steel will be produced at a UK electric arc furnace due to come online in 2027 when construction on the park is scheduled to begin, before becoming fully operational two years later.
“Buying British means not importing steel, which helps reduce the project’s carbon footprint in the transportation of materials, which will lead to significant savings throughout the process,” Noone added.
“UK energy bill reduction is harder to achieve if we don’t purchase Asian solar modules, however, UK steel is competitive for manufacturing mounting frames.
“This helps us strike the balance between backing British business and bringing down energy bills.”
In addition, using British steel will lead to an estimated 650 fewer HGV movements due to on-site manufacturing.
Great North Road will create around 400 jobs during the construction phase and the new partnership will lead to a further ten roles due to on-site manufacturing.
The project is currently in the pre-application stage. If plans are approved, it could play a significant role in boosting UK energy security whilst lowering household bills.