AGR Renewables receives planning consent for 49.9 MW solar project in Lincolnshire
AGR Renewables is delighted to announce that it has been granted planning consent for its solar project located in Bicker, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom. The project received approval from the relevant planning authorities, Boston and South Holland, on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th July 2023 respectively.
This ambitious initiative encompasses a solar installation with a maximum export capacity of 49.9MW’s coupled with a 50MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). By leveraging renewable energy sources, the project aims to make a substantial contribution to reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.
Upon completion, the solar project is designed to generate clean renewable electricity to power 18,000 households, while the integration of the 50MW BESS system allows the energy generated to be stored and supplied to the grid when it is most needed, as well as providing grid stability services to National Grid.
Additionally, the project will contribute to the long-term reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, solidifying United Kingdom’s commitment to a sustainable future.
AGR has been working closely with National Grid on a portfolio of projects for several years and is delighted that this project is now approved and can proceed into the construction phase, which is expected to start in 2024 and take approximately 6 months.
AGR Renewables is dedicated to bringing a positive impact on the local community. Throughout the construction and operation phases, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities and support the local economy.
The scheme brings significant biodiversity gains and habitat improvements as well as continued farming of the land by way of sheep grazing. The 97 ha is predominantly grade 3a and represents only 0.03% of the best and most versatile farmland in Lincolnshire, which the planning authority agree is an acceptable trade in exchange of the benefits of clean renewable energy that will be produced on the site in the future.
AGR Renewables acknowledges the support of the local community and relevant authorities throughout the planning process, which has been vital in ensuring the project’s success.
Luke Rogers, Head of Solar & Storage Development, AGR: “We are delighted to have received planning permission for our Bicker Fen solar farm. AGR is an experienced developer, and this project will make a meaningful contribution to both the national and regional net zero ambitions by providing clean renewable energy to 18,000 homes from 2025 onwards. We are looking forward to working with the local community to introduce new employment and educational opportunities.”
Konrad Aspinall and Oliver Breidt, Co-Founders, AGR: “AGR is excited to have secured planning consent to build this significant solar energy generation project with associated battery storage in support of the UK’s transition to Net Zero, during a challenging period of climate and energy supply instability”
