Statkraft hits key milestone at first UK solar scheme in Yorkshire

Statkraft, Europe’s largest generator of renewable energy, has reached a key construction milestone at its Soay Solar Farm, with the first panels being installed on site. It is Statkraft’s first UK solar scheme to begin construction.

The 49.9MW solar farm is located to the east of Thornton, in East Yorkshire, and will generate enough renewable electricity to power the equivalent of 21,700 homes, once operational during 2027.

Solar projects such as this will help Great Britain to end its reliance on fossil fuels, preventing the worsening effects of climate change whilst providing secure, home grown and affordable power, helping the country to be energy independent, and keeping bills more stable.

Improving the ecology of the site has been an important consideration throughout the design of the scheme. Statkraft has been working with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, who provide specialist advice on habitat design, suitable plant species, and long-term management practices. 

Around a third of the site will be dedicated to habitat enhancement and new planting, improving biodiversity by over 130% compared with the previous land use. 

Soay Solar Farm is located adjacent to Thornton Greener Grid Park. The first phase, consisting of a 200MW two-hour battery energy storage system (BESS) is in the final stages of commissioning. 

The project is just one part of Statkraft's broader strategy to enhance the UK's renewable energy infrastructure, with an investment pipeline in the UK exceeding £3 billion, and around 20 projects, with planning consent across a range of technologies. 

Charlotte Healey, Statkraft’s Head of Solar, said: ”It’s very exciting to see Soay Solar Farm beginning to take shape, with the first panels now in place, and work about to conclude on the final structural site works.

“Solar is one of the key renewable technologies we need to deliver stable bills and greater energy security, in an environmentally-friendly way, and Soay is one step closer to playing its part in transforming the way we generate electricity in Great Britain.”