Plans submitted for major solar farm on site of open cast coal mine

Land regeneration company Harworth Group and greentech, a renewable energy company specialising in solar photovoltaic (PV), have submitted plans to Telford & Wrekin Council for the development of a solar farm at the site of the former Huntington Lane open cast coal mine.

The proposed solar farm will generate 28,500 MWh per year in renewable electricity, enough to power 8,650 homes. It will save 15,000kg of CO2 per year, making a significant contribution to the Climate Emergency and Telford & Wrekin Council’s target for the borough to be carbon neutral by 2030.

The project would be delivered by a joint partnership between Harworth and greentech.

The planning application is expected to be determined by Telford & Wrekin Council later this year.

Matthew Smith, senior asset manager, Harworth, said: “The proposed New Works Solar Farm would be the embodiment of the UK Government’s planned Green Industrial Revolution, transforming a former open cast coal mine into a major renewable energy generation site. This site will deliver clean electricity to local people and businesses and help Telford & Wrekin Council to meet its ambitious 2030 Carbon Neutral target.”

Yaw Ofori, managing director, greentech, added: “We are delighted to have worked with Harworth to bring these proposals forward. As one of the largest independent managers of solar power plants in Europe, by working with and engaging local stakeholders, we will use our expertise to deliver a site that balances renewable generation as part of the Energy Transition, with providing a haven for wildlife, biodiversity and an important space for the local community to enjoy.”

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