Elements Green is currently working on the Great North Road Solar Park project, which could revolutionize the way the UK produces clean energy. The project is in the process of identifying several parcels of land to the north of the A617 and to the west of the A1 to accommodate the main components of the solar farmThese include photovoltaic (PV) panels, an on-site energy storage facility and associated infrastructure to connect the park to the national grid via the Staythorpe substation. In addition, the project includes significant biodiversity enhancements, including tree planting, the creation of flower meadows and wetlands.
Objectives of the Great North Road Solar Park
The results of surveys and evaluations will also take into account the improvement of existing public trails and the creation of new authorized trails. The conclusions of the initial work will be shared during a first phase of community consultation scheduled for early 2024. Feedback from this consultation will be used to inform and refine more detailed proposals, which will be the subject of a further consultation.
Mark Noone, Project Director for the Great North Road Solar Park, explains: “The UK Government has set ambitious and legally binding targets to eliminate carbon emissions by 2050. More renewable energy is needed to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, and the government’s stated ambition to increase national solar capacity fivefold to 70 GW by 2035 recognizes the important role that large-scale solar developments will play in achieving this goal.”
Community Planning and Consultation
What’s more, sustainable electricity generation at home would help solve the cost-of-living crisis by reducing household energy bills. Elements Green is also committed to consulting widely with local communities to improve and enrich its proposals as the project progresses.
The project also plans to support local initiatives through its community benefits program, known as NG+. NG+ would make available around £1 million a year to provide grants for residential and commercial energy efficiency measures, small-scale renewable energy projects, community projects, apprenticeships, school and college programs, afforestation, biodiversity and archaeology projects. All this would add up to an estimated contribution of £1.5 to £3 million in business taxes for the Newark and Sherwood district. The project would not depend on any form of government subsidy.
The Great North Road Solar Park promises to be a major project in the UK’s transition to clean, renewable energy. With its impressive energy production potential and commitment to community consultation and local benefits, it represents an important step towards a more sustainable energy future. The Elements Green initiative shows how renewable energies can not only reduce carbon emissions, but also contribute to the lives of local communities.
