Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, is launching its statutory consultation on detailed proposals for Alleston Solar Farm, located between Pembroke and Lamphey, in Pembrokeshire. The plans follow extensive environmental studies and feedback received during early engagement carried out last year.
As a result of feedback, some important changes have been made to the proposals, including removing areas of solar panels from fields along Lower Lamphey Road and in front of the Grade II listed farmhouse, creating an orchard to enhance the heritage setting and enhancements to biodiversity areas throughout the site.
The proposed solar farm would have a capacity of approximately 30MW and produce enough energy to power more than 14,000 homes, helping to tackle the climate crisis and reduce carbon emissions. The proposed development would connect to the national grid via existing powerlines; therefore, no additional cables will be needed outside of the site boundary.
Statkraft is committed to working closely with the local community to bring long term value and deliver a project that can be considered a local asset. As part of the Alleston Solar Farm proposal, a Community Benefit Fund will be established, which is anticipated to deliver £480,000 over the course of the project’s 40-year lifespan.
Gui Zandomeneghi, Statkraft’s Principal Solar Project Manager, said: “We’ve made some important changes to our plans, following feedback from the early engagement last year and the results of the site investigations and surveys. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to speak with us so far.
“Projects like Alleston Solar Farm are essential to overcoming energy security and the climate emergency, facilitating the transition from fossil fuels to low carbon energy and supporting the Welsh Government’s target for electricity to be 100% renewable by 2035. I’d encourage local people to come along to one of the events we’re holding and chat with myself and the team.”
More information on the proposals can be found on the project website – www.alleston-solar.co.uk - and members of the project team will be available to discuss the project at the consultation events:
- 1pm to 6pm on Tuesday 22 October 2024 at Pembroke Town Hall, Main Street (SA71 4JS).
- 12 noon to 4.30pm on Wednesday 23 October 2024 at Lamphey Village Hall (SA71 5PB).
The deadline for comments is midnight on Tuesday 19 November 2024.
Following the statutory consultation, the proposals will be finalised, and a Development of National Significance (DNS) application will be submitted to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) for examination before being determined by Welsh Government Ministers.
About Statkraft
Statkraft is a leading company in hydropower internationally and Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy. The Group produces hydropower, wind power, solar power, gas-fired power and supplies district heating. Statkraft is a global company in energy market operations. Statkraft has more than 6,000 employees in over 20 countries.
About Statkraft UK
Statkraft is at the heart of the UK’s energy transition. Since 2006, Statkraft has gone from strength to strength in the UK, building experience across wind, solar, hydro, storage, grid stability, EV charging, green hydrogen and a thriving markets business.
We’ve invested over £1.4 billion in the UK's renewable energy infrastructure and facilitated over 4.3 GW of new-build renewable energy generation through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
Across our UK businesses we employ nearly 500 staff in England, Scotland and Wales and play a key role in helping the global business reach its goal of 9 GW of developed wind and solar power by 2025.