Cero Generation, in partnership with UK-based Enso Energy, has completing the energisation of the first solar farm to connect directly to the UK transmission network. The Larks Green solar farm site, located near Bristol, now connects directly to National Grid's Iron Acton substation via a high voltage cable. This is a significant milestone for renewable energy in the UK, as all of the country's solar farms have previously connected to regional grids that carry power from the transmission network to homes and businesses.
The project comprises 152,400 solar modules installed in a 200-acre plot, with a capacity of 50MW. In addition, the solar farm will be co-located with a 49.5MW/99MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) that will store energy during peak power generation and export it back to the grid when demand is high. The BESS will balance the intermittent energy production, maximise the site's efficiency and allow a greater output of clean energy.
Marta Martinez Queimadelos, Chief Executive of Cero Generation, said: “The Larks Green project is not only a significant milestone for Cero and an opportunity to initiate our BESS pipeline, but it represents a significant contribution to the UK's goals to reach net-zero.” The project is in line with the government's recent Powering up Britain report, which reaffirmed its ambition for a five-fold increase in deployment of solar generation by 2035, with up to 70GW installed.
The design and layout for the co-located solar farm and BESS will also produce a net biodiversity gain. This will be achieved through the provision of a range of resources for local wildlife, including additional woodland planting, that will provide shelter and food for a range of protected species.
Ian Harding, Co-founder and Director of Enso Energy, said: “Completion of this project is a major milestone for renewable energy in the UK and provides further evidence that co-located solar and battery storage projects connecting directly to the transmission network will play an important role in the delivery of the UK's net zero plans.”
Cero has 38 other standalone or co-located BESS projects in its UK pipeline within its partnership with Enso. The joint venture's existing pipeline extends to 5GW, with a further 5GW of early-stage opportunities. This demonstrates the potential for further growth in the renewable energy sector in the UK.
This project marks a significant milestone in the UK's efforts to achieve a fully decarbonised power system by 2035. The combination of solar and battery storage connected directly to the transmission network will play a vital role in the delivery of the UK's net zero plans. This project also demonstrates the potential for further growth in the renewable energy sector in the UK.
