Lightsource bp has secured a Contract for Difference (CfD) for its Hett Moor solar farm in the UK’s latest Allocation Round 7 (AR7) auction.
The company said the award will allow the project to deliver stable, low-cost renewable electricity to the grid under a long-term government-backed contract.
The AR7 round saw record solar participation, with Solar Energy UK estimating that successful projects could add around £370m in gross value to the UK economy, according to Lightsource bp.
Located in County Durham, the Hett Moor project is designed to integrate sensitively into the local landscape and is expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 16,000 homes once operational.
Lightsource bp said the scheme has been shaped by environmental studies and community feedback. Planned biodiversity measures include the creation of new habitats, native planting and long-term land management.
Ben Fawcett, head of business development UK at Lightsource bp, said: “We are delighted that Hett Moor Solar Farm has been awarded a contract through the Government’s latest Contracts for Difference auction.
This project represents more than delivering affordable, low-carbon energy, it reflects our commitment to listening carefully and working collaboratively with local communities.
