Ethical Power, an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, has announced that it has started work on the Larport solar farm, a 45MW project in Herefordshire. The solar farm is being developed and owned by Conrad Energy and is set to be commissioned in 2024.
This is Conrad Energy's first solar farm project, and Ethical Power played a vital role in the final due diligence on the development, including design optimisation and engineering review.
“We are very excited about delivering this exceptional project,” said Neil Buck, managing director of Ethical Power. “Our partnership with Conrad Energy has spanned multiple areas over the years, but the project in Herefordshire is our first solar PV build for them.”
The green power generated on the site will be sold through a power purchase agreement (PPA) with BNP Paribas, which was announced by Conrad Energy last month.
According to George Hall, project manager for the site, Conrad Energy is “very pleased to be working with Ethical Power on this project, and it builds on the long-term relationship between the two companies. We are very excited to see work start on this flagship project.”
The project area covers 120 acres and includes not only the solar park but also a large section of land dedicated to biodiversity enhancement, featuring natural grassland and wildflower meadows.
Ethical Power's operations and maintenance team will monitor the site once operational, ensuring that the plant operates at optimal efficiency and maximising the value of investment for Conrad Energy.
As the world shifts towards more sustainable energy solutions, projects like the Larport solar farm are crucial in helping to reduce carbon emissions and tackle climate change. As Neil Buck notes, “We are proud to be contributing to the development of renewable energy infrastructure in the UK and are excited to see this project come to fruition.”
