The danish renewable energy giants are proposing to build the site in the East Riding of Yorkshire and claim it will be capable of generating enough energy to power 100,000 homes.
Ørsted are launching the project, which is otherwise known as the Kingfisher Solar Farm, on the grounds that it will have a capacity of 320 megawatts and would provide clean energy for up to 60 years. The scheme is due to be built three miles north of Beverly – a town situated in Hull.
Should the plans receive consent, the project is estimated to be operational by 2030 – in line with a number of other climate goals – however, Ørsted are yet to confirm when the application will be submitted for a development consent order (DCO) from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Within the proposal, Ørsted have detailed the solar farm can use the same cable route – a form of power supply -as the already consented Hornsea 4 offshore wind farm – another project being developed by the Danish renewable energy giants.
Four consultation events are set to be hosted across the area, which will be taking place from 3rd February – 9th March 2025. What’s more, a virtual consultation will also take place, though a date is yet to be confirmed.
Randall Linfoot, Ørsted’s programme manager for Kingfisher, said: ‘Kingfisher Solar Farm will provide green energy for around 100,000 British households, making a significant contribution toward meeting the country’s ambitious plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
‘We will also be delivering real benefits for the communities we are working in if the project is approved, including increasing wildlife and habitat areas around our solar array, and having a community benefit fund that will deliver lasting, tangible benefits for local people. We will be investing in local initiatives and engaging small and medium sized businesses in the area to see how they can secure work through our supply chain. Ørsted has been working in the Humber region for over a decade, with several offshore wind farms situated in the North Sea; we employ over 600 people in the Humber region already.
‘We look forward to sharing more details on our proposals with local residents and businesses through this consultation. We are engaging with communities as early as possible to help us refine our plans for Kingfisher Solar Farm and ensure their views are heard, understood, and used to shape our plans where we can.’
In related news:
Brownfield passports: A path to clarity or a rebranding of old policy?