Meridian Solar Farm is DRD’s latest project as it seeks to expand its UK renewable portfolio. The firm currently has 5.7GW of renewable energy projects at various stages of development across the UK. The plans are the latest effort in a national drive to meet net-zero targets by providing more clean green energy.
Located on land to the south of Spalding, Meridian Solar Farm and co-located battery storage facility has the potential for a generating capacity of up to 750MW which could, if consented, provide enough energy to power around 215,000 homes.
As Meridian Solar Farm’s generating capacity is more than 50MW, a Development Consent Order (DCO) application will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) to be decided by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
As early design work continues and DRD prepares for public consultation, the land will be carefully evaluated to identify opportunities to provide a Biodiversity Net Gain. Meridian Solar Farm has a long-term plan to deliver a Biodiversity Net Gain of at least 10%.
DRD will undertake an environmental impact assessment which will be informed by a scoping opinion it will seek from the Secretary of State. Before the DCO application is submitted, DRD will be consulting with local communities and other stakeholders; the feedback received as part of the consultation process will be used alongside survey outcomes to inform decisions about the design and evolution of the final proposals.
Once the proposals are finalised, a DCO application will be submitted to the Secretary of State for determination. This will be subject to an examination in which the local community and stakeholders will be invited to engage.
Further information is available to view online.
