UK commissions its first transmission-connected solar farm
UK, Bristol: The first PV solar array connected directly to the power transmission network in the UK was energised this week.
Image source: National Grid
UK, Bristol: The first PV solar array connected directly to the power transmission network in the UK was energised this week.
Namely, National Grid connected Enso Energy and Cero Generation‘s new 50 MW Larks Green solar farm to its Iron Actor substation near Bristol. The energisation has followed the installation of new switchgear and the running of an HV cable between the substation and solar farm.
The solar plant will have a generation capacity of 73,000 MWh on a yearly basis, which will cut CO2 emissions by 20,500 tons annually compared to traditional energy production.
Until now, the country’s solar farms have connected only to the lower voltage regional grids, and connecting the new plant directly to National Grid’s transmission network represents a significant advancement in the transition to renewable energy. This step will allow clean energy to be transported over greater distances, opening a path for larger renewable energy projects to connect to the grid.
“This net zero milestone comes as we’re investing in the biggest upgrade to the grid in a generation, enabling more home-grown renewable electricity to power the country than ever before. We want to connect more and faster, and we are working with government, Ofgem and industry to reform the connections process to accelerate Britain’s transition to a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy system,” commented Roisin Quinn, Director of Customer Connections at National Grid.
Source: National Grid
#Cero Generation#Enso Energy#National Grid#renewable energy#solar farm#transmission grid connection#UK