Windel Energy, in partnership with Recurrent Energy under the Fosse Green Energy joint venture, is conducting a statutory consultation for a proposed solar and energy storage project located southwest of Lincoln, England. The project will import and export electricity to the national grid, with plans to connect to the proposed new National Grid Substation near Navenby via an underground cable.
The consultation builds on feedback received during a non-statutory exercise held in autumn 2023, where initial project plans and two grid connection corridor options were presented. Based on input from the local community, further studies were conducted, and updated plans are now under review.
Key proposals include creating permissive paths linking Public Rights of Way, planting community orchards, enhancing local biodiversity, and setting up a community liaison group. This group will invite local representatives to engage with Fosse Green Energy, ensuring the project benefits the surrounding communities.
Lloyd Sandles, projects director at Windel Energy, stated, “The feedback we received at our first consultation in Autumn 2023 has been invaluable in shaping our plans. We have selected and refined a preferred grid connection corridor to the proposed Navenby Substation to minimize social and environmental impact. We are also presenting our plans for landscaping and for the construction work we would need to carry out.”
James Whitney, business development manager at Recurrent Energy, added, “The solar panels and associated infrastructure would take up a small percentage of the land, creating opportunities for planting and screening. We are also keen to explore ways we can benefit the local community and would like to hear people's thoughts on community schemes or projects we can engage with.”