Proposals - Meridian Solar Farm

Introduction

What is Meridian Solar Farm?

Meridian Solar is a proposed solar farm south of Spalding and Holbeach which would supply around 750 Megawatts (MW) of electricity. The proposal also includes associated infrastructure such as co-located battery storage, and an approximate 12km Grid Connection to National Grid’s planned Weston Marsh substation east of Spalding.

Key statistics about the site

215,000

homes powered

750

900

hectares

Why is Meridian Solar Farm needed?

To achieve the UK Government’s commitment to ‘net-zero’ carbon emissions by 2050, projects such as Meridian Solar Farm are needed to help provide cleaner sources of energy. If approved, Meridian Solar Farm would make a significant contribution to energy security in the U.K. providing energy to up to 215,000 homes.

The energy transition will see older forms of generation, such as fossil fuel power stations, phased out and there is an urgent need for cleaner forms of generation to replace them. Solar farms such as Meridian will play a key role in meeting this need and accelerating the countries transition to net-zero.

With the co-location of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), Meridian will be able to provide ancillary services to help stabilise the local and national grid network. The addition of the BESS will also allow Meridian to efficiently use the solar energy, storing surplus energy at points of low demand, releasing it when needed.

Capacity

We have secured a grid connection agreement which would allow us to import and export over 50MW of electricity to the National Grid. The generation capacity of the scheme means it is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and we will be required to submit a Development Consent Order (DCO) application.

DCO applications are managed by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) on behalf of the Secretary of State for energy security and net zero. You can find out more about the planning process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects on the PINS website: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/

Next steps

Step one

A campaign of environmental surveys and site assessments have been performed to understand further how the project will interact with the landscape allowing us to make informed decisions on how the site evolves. This information, including a Scoping Report and our phase one consultation materials, is available in the document library.

Step Two

We are currently consulting with local residents, technical specialists and local planning authorities over the coming months to communicate more information about the project design and planning process. Early engagement is being undertaken, with the public, local authorities and other stakeholders between 30th May - July 2024. This allows for stakeholders ’comments to be taken into account by the developer of the project at the formative stages of the NSIPs development. Project materials can be accessed in our document library. We are also holding non-statutory consultation events at the following times and dates:

Crowland Pavillion, 14th June, 12-8pm
Moulton Village Hall, 15th June, 9-5pm
Sutton St Edmund, 24th June, 12-8pm
Monday 1 July 18:00 – 19:00 Online – register here

You will be able to ask questions on the proposal at these events.

Step three

To provide feedback on the proposal, please complete this form on our website. This feedbackwill be carefully considered and used to help refine the project design. We will implement your feedback into our proposal before the next stage, Statutory Consultation.

Downing Renewable Developments are currently in phase one consultation for Meridian Solar Farm.