new-solar-sunset-1024x702

Project Information

Introduction

We are developing proposals for a solar farm to the northwest of the village of Poppleton, in the City of York Council area. The proposed solar farm has an expected generating capacity of 32 megawatts (MW) and covers 138 acres, including land for temporary work. The solar farm will be connected to the National Grid via an underground cable running approximately 3.5km from the south-eastern boundary of the site to the existing substation in Nether Poppleton.

A planning application for the solar farm was submitted to City of York Council on 5 December 2023.

The below sections give some background information on our proposals, and you can still read our consultation information boards. Since our consultation, some key changes have been made to our proposals, and these are explained on our Project update page, alongside a summary of consultation feedback.

Why do we need the solar farm?

The UK is transitioning to zero and low carbon sources of power. All coal-fired power stations have to close by 2025, meaning over a quarter of the UK’s energy generation needs to be replaced. The UK’s climate change ambitions are amongst the highest in Europe and the aim to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is set in law. 

By 2050 we could use 80% more electricity than we do today. For example, electric vehicle and heat pump ownership has grown thirty-fold and is set to rise with the abolition of new diesel and petrol cars by 2040. 

Currently the UK’s electricity price is among the highest in Europe, meaning that we need to find ways of generating more affordable, renewable and clean electricity. Energy security for the country is now of paramount importance. 

What does the project consist of?

Our proposals include a solar farm across two parcels of land covering 138 acres, including land for temporary works, at New Farm, to the northwest of the village of Poppleton, in York.

The solar farm itself will consist of:

  • Approximately 121 acres of land fenced off, containing a solar farm of around 66,000 solar panels.
  • Single-axis tracker solar photovoltaic system, which can adjust along one axis to increase solar absorption.
  • Solar panels set on lightweight frames in rows spaced 2.5m apart with a minimum ground clearance of 0.6m and a maximum panel height of up to 3m. Generally, panels should be no higher than 2.83m above ground level, though some may be raised higher due to topography. As tracker panels, the height of the solar panels will vary from their midday point at 1.83m high, to their full height.
  • 2m high fence with CCTV cameras on 3m high poles.
  • Internal access tracks through each field to enable operation and maintenance.
  • Control building area with internal substation and site maintenance facility.
  • Six Medium Voltage Stations (MVS) containing inverters and transformers to convert power from DC to AC (Alternating Current).
  • A 3.5km underground grid connection cable between the site and Poppleton Substation.
  • Proposed diversion of PRoW footpath 10/1/10 that runs across the south of the northern field to the other side of the existing hedgerow, with a proposed change of between 1m and 3m distance. This diversion will make use of two existing gaps in the hedgerow.
Plan 1: Poppleton Solar Farm site location

How does it work?

Solar panels are made out of photovoltaic cells (which is why generating electricity with solar panels is also called solar PV) that convert the sun’s energy into electricity.  

Photovoltaic cells are sandwiched between layers of semi-conducting materials such as silicone. Each layer has different electronic properties that energise when hit by photons from sunlight, creating an electric field. This is known as the photoelectric effect, and this creates the electrical current. 

Solar panels generate a Direct Current of electricity. This is then passed through an inverter to convert it into an Alternating Current, which can then be fed into the National Grid, or directly to large local power users.  

Solar panels need daylight and sunshine, not high temperatures, so solar panels can and do work well in England.  

Has the impact on the environment been considered?

In developing our proposals, we have been mindful of the existing environmental context of the site. Early engagement was undertaken with regulatory bodies and has continued throughout the consultation period. We have also undertaken a number of surveys to make sure we understand any impacts the solar farm may have on the environment, landscape, heritage and local community. The outputs of our assessments are summarised in our planning application.

We have also identified and incorporated proposals to enhance local ecology and biodiversity through the project.

How will the local community benefit?

We are looking at ways to help ensure Poppleton benefits from the development of the solar farm, in the form of a Community Benefit Fund to support local projects. Community benefit is not contingent on support for the project, and the planning decision will be made on Poppleton Solar Farm’s benefits, independent of the community benefits.

We have received a number of helpful ideas from local residents as to how the fund could be spent, which have been captured and remain under consideration for the fund. If planning permission is granted, there may also be supply chain opportunities for local businesses.

How long will the project take to develop?

We have now submitted a planning application for Poppleton Solar Farm to City of York Council.

If the planning application is approved, we would look to begin construction as soon as the grid connection date is finalised. The current anticipated date is around 2030 and we expect construction will take six months. Construction could start sooner should the connection date come forward post-consent, and subject to planning permission.