A groundbreaking new solar farm is underway in Somerset, aiming to generate enough energy to power up to 6,500 homes. The initiative, known as the Camp Road scheme, will be utilized to supply Leonardo’s site in Yeovil with 100% green energy.
Leonardo has secured a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with energy company Conrad Energy for the solar farm. With planning permission granted by Somerset Council, construction is slated to commence later this year. The 45-acre site, to be leased from a local farmer, will host the solar farm, with 40 acres covered in panels and only 5% of the land undergoing disturbance as per Conrad Energy.
This eco-friendly project was developed in response to Leonardo’s commitment to Net Zero by 2030. In addition to the new solar farm, the company will be implementing energy-efficient lighting, heating, and electric vehicles. Conrad Energy identified an ideal off-site location for the solar farm, with a private wire connection to facilitate the harnessing of the Yeovil site’s output.
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Upon the solar farm’s 40-year life span conclusion, the land will be restored to agricultural use. The 20-year deal is projected to curtail approximately 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. Despite the associated carbon footprint of solar panels, Conrad Energy asserts that solar electricity’s lifecycle emissions are significantly lower compared to natural gas and coal.
Tony O’Carroll, CEO of Conrad Energy, expressed his enthusiasm, emphasizing the positive impact on the community and biodiversity. Similarly, Paul Coombs, VP Facilities, Real Estate, and Infrastructure at Leonardo, lauded the project’s culmination and its contribution to the company’s pursuit of net zero.