Renewables firm applies to turn 116-hectare site into solar energy park

Plans for a renewable energy generation and storage project to the east of Sheffield have been submitted to Rotherham Council.

Independent renewable energy firm, Banks Renewables, is looking to create the new solar energy park at a 116-hectare site to the west of the Todwick Road Industrial Estate in Dinnington, around three miles to the east of Banks’ Penny Hill wind farm.

The Common Farm Solar project would have an installed capacity of up to 50MW, which would be enough to meet the annual electricity requirements of up to 18,800 family homes and would displace over 11,470 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the electricity supply network each year.

The planning application is expected to come before Rotherham Council’s planning committee before the end of the year.

A battery electricity storage system linking directly into the Thurcroft electricity sub-station around three kilometres to the north of the site forms part of the project.

Banks Renewables already has four operational sites across Yorkshire.

The Penny Hill Wind Farm, the Hook Moor Wind Farm to the east of Leeds, the Marr Wind Farm to the west of Doncaster and the Hazlehead Wind Farm near Barnsley generated almost 89,000 MWh of electricity between them during the company’s last financial year, as well as over £50,000 in total for their respective community benefits funds.

Lewis Stokes, senior community relations manager at The Banks Group, said: “The initial response we’ve had to our ideas from local people and community leaders has generally been positive and we’re grateful to all those who’ve taken the time to share their thoughts, questions and comments so far.

“Maximising the production of renewable energy from domestic sources is a crucial part of the UK’s ongoing journey towards its Net Zero targets, especially within the current energy security climate.

“We’re excited at what can be achieved through this important project and hope Rotherham Council’s planning committee will support our vision for delivering it.”