REPOWER – INSIGHTS FROM INDUSTRY REQ
Championing Solar PV’s long-term benefits
T
he UK’s abundance of natural power derived from renewable sources has accelerated the growth of the clean energy industry. Underpinned
by stable government subsidies and a strong underlying investment profile, positive performance has been further encouraged by an increasing trend towards divestment in fossil fuels; a position which has seen a well-founded new business optimism and confidence stimulating the renewables sector. Despite substantial advances, however, this stability has recently faltered, with the industry appearing to have entered a period of flux. The widespread deployment of solar PV technology, changing legislation, a constrained grid network, government directives to planning authorities and occasional instances of bad practice have resulted in a more challenging environment for solar developers. And these conditions have created the need for a more considered approach to the siting, construction and funding of future projects. Inazin has been keen to emphasise and
incorporate this model into its development strategy. Inazin’s team of renewables specialists has successfully developed over 200MW of large-scale PV projects, with many more currently either in planning or in the later development stages. In establishing more than 20 sites spanning
Cornwall and Lincolnshire we have taken careful account of the circumstances attached to such potential obstacles as SSSIs (Site of
The support and goodwill of local communities are vital if we are to
overcome the many barriers facing further rollout of utility-scale ground-mounted PV, says Andrew King, Inazin’s Commercial Manager
Special Scientific Interest), AONBs (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and SPAs (Special Protection Areas). This considerate, sensitive developmental perspective has enabled us to mitigate the majority of pitfalls we have faced, realising solar parks that complement, and frequently improve, the diversity of local habitats. With the rapid move of the agricultural
industry to intensive farming, it is of paramount importance that areas be created in which nature is unimpeded and a local ecosystem’s biodiversity is maintained. Solar development offers financial incentives to leave land unfarmed, which in turn allows wildlife to flourish. Yet we have also responded to grazing guidelines set out by the Building Research Establishment and
the National Farmers Union which state that, where appropriate, land between and beneath rows of solar panels should be available for the grazing of small livestock, such as free-range poultry and sheep. This diligent and responsible practice has been recognised by the broader renewables industry. Connected in March 2014, the 21MW solar PV development at Lackford, Suffolk, recently won the 2014 Solar Power Portal Award for best utility-scale solar farm. Owned by Robert Gough, Lackford covers 96 acres of well-screened, flat but low-grade agricultural land. Highly commended for its near-perfect location, the site is of significant ecological value due to its close proximity to one of only two UK nesting areas for stone curlews. Designed in cooperation with Natural England, Lackford has a full perimeter management strip and specific external mitigation zones to both accommodate and enhance the birds’ habitat: features that were instrumental in the judges’ decision. “The speed, efficiency and professionalism
shown by completing such a large, high- quality project in such a short space of time, under such difficult weather conditions, was highly impressive,” Robert Gough’s agent, Ed Blundy of Brown & Co said. “I look forward to working with Inazin on future projects.” Although the current subsidy, the Renewable Obligation, is coming to a close for large-scale solar, and some uncertainty surrounds the incoming Contracts for Difference, we are continuing to develop sites whose social benefits, award-winning standards and investment potential mirror those of Lackford.
REQ
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Do you have a site that you would like us to consider for solar PV? Do you have sites that require funding? For further information, please contact us on
info@inazin.com or at
www.inazin.com
18 REQ RENEWABLE ENERGY QUARTERLY |
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WINTER 2014
www.r-e-a.net
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