ILOS is thrilled to announce the initiation of the construction phase of its ‘Hardy’ project, a new solar energy development situated near Dorchester, Dorset, which is set to further enhance the UK’s renewable energy landscape.
The project, boasting a substantial capacity of 46,854.45 KWp (46.8 MW), will generate enough energy to power over 14,000 homes and remove 9,165 tonnes of carbon emissions each year, equivalent to taking 4,000 cars off the roads.
The Hardy project involves constructing a new 132KV high-voltage substation to facilitate the efficient transfer of clean energy into the national grid, with an expected grid connection by May 2025. A key determinant of the site’s location was the decommissioning of the nearby Winfrith Atomic Establishment, which created new grid capacity for the region, and minimised local impacts on visual amenity and landscape.
Solar developments like the Hardy project are critical to the UK securing its ambitious target of achieving 50GW of solar capacity by 2030.
UK solar ascendent
This significant project milestone for the Hardy project has been reached as the UK’s renewable energy sector is receiving increased attention from landowners and farmers who see the value in diversifying income through solar investments. With adjustments to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) currently in consultation, which will encourage local planners to recognise the benefits of low carbon power projects on farmland, landowners and local communities are well placed to capitalise on the benefits of clean energy generation in the coming years.
Alongside continued Government commitment to the Contracts for Difference (CfD) market mechanism for clean energy generation, UK solar has a significant opportunity to secure not only financial benefits for land landowners – enabling them to keep farming – but also ecological benefits fostered by biodiversity initiatives, such as wildflower planting alongside solar panels.
ILOS’s project expertise
For this solar project, ILOS was a trusted development partner, offering transparent dealings and comprehensive community engagement, ensuring that the project not only proceeded smoothly but also contributed positively to local communities and ecosystems. The ongoing support from Bayerische Landesbank, a leader in renewable energy financing, further highlights the financial solidity and commitment behind the Hardy project.
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