Burtree Lane, an Aura Power solar farm is being voted on for approval by Darlington City Council in the United Kingdom.
A local project
Burtree Lane will have a capacity of 49.9MW. As a result, the solar park will nearly triple the renewable energy produced in Darlington. In addition, it will help achieve net zero emissions by 2040, according to the city council.
The Burtree Lane solar farm will provide clean electricity equivalent to the consumption of 14,400 homes. As a result, the project will save more than 10,000 tons of carbon emissions each year for 40 years. In addition, ecological improvements are incorporated into the project design to enhance habitats for wildlife.
These improvements include new hedges and trees. The project incorporates managed wetland meadows to provide habitat for ground nesting birds. Thus, Burtree Laner represents a net gain in biodiversity of 46%.
A social project
George Wilyman, Director of Planning at Aura Power, states:
“This solar farm not only provides significant economic, social and environmental benefits, but also contributes strongly to local and national carbon reduction goals. While it has been recognized that the proposed development will have some impacts, it has been demonstrated that these will be minor. The public benefits resulting from the development are significant and far-reaching.”
Burtree Lane also includes a community charity fund of £20,000 per year. Thus, this is equivalent to £800,000 over the 40-year operational life of the project.
Aura Power is working with local stakeholders, including the Friends of the Stockton and Darlington Railroad. Indeed, these associations defend the railroad track parallel to the eastern boundary of the site. Information signs on the railroad and improvements to the walking trail through Burtree Lane are being considered.
Construction is expected to begin in 2023. The Burtree Lane solar farm is part of Aura Power’s 300MWp of solar projects. The year 2022 is a successful one for the company, which was getting approval to plan 350MWp of solar and storage projects in the UK.
