Tregonning Solar Farm and Co-located Battery Storage Facility
Tregonning Solar Farm and co-located Battery Storage Facility
Tregonning Project Overview
The Tregonning project comprises three closely linked elements:
Tregonning Solar Farm (near Kestle Mill)
A co‑located Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Indian Queens
An underground cable route connecting the solar farm and BESS to the national electricity network
Together, these components will generate, store and export renewable electricity to support the UK’s transition to a low‑carbon energy system.
Project Location
The solar farm is located on approximately 88 hectares of farmland near Kestle Mill, Cornwall.
The Battery Energy Storage System is located at Indian Queens, directly adjacent to the National Grid Energy Transition (NGET) Indian Queens 400kV Substation.
The project includes an approximately 8.5km underground 33kV cable connection between the solar farm, the BESS and the grid connection point east of the A30.
No overhead power lines are proposed as part of this project.
Planning Background and Project Organisation
Planning permission for the solar farm was granted in December 2023. The project was initially developed and taken through planning by Renewable Connections and was acquired by European Energy post‑consent.
European Energy is delivering the solar farm, with Novus Power appointed as Principal Contractor for the BESS and underground cable route.
Tregonning Solar Farm and co-located Battery Storage Facility
Tregonning Solar Farm
The solar farm has a generating capacity of 49.9MW.
Key facts:
Enough electricity to power approximately 17,000 homes per year
Estimated to reduce carbon emissions by around 27,600 tonnes per year
Operational lifespan of up to 40 years
Land will remain in agricultural use, with sheep grazing beneath and around the panels
At the end of the project life, all equipment will be removed and the land can return fully to its current use
Construction Programme
The solar farm construction programme broadly includes:
Site setup (temporary access roads, compound and fencing)
Installation of solar panels and mounting systems
Electrical infrastructure, including cabling and on‑site substation
Testing and commissioning
Final landscaping and reinstatement
Construction is expected to complete by spring 2027, following which the site will operate quietly with minimal vehicle movements.
Working Hours
Construction working hours are strictly controlled:
Monday–Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm
No Sunday or Bank Holiday working
Construction
Construction Timeline
Site preparation works for Tregonning Solar Farm will begin in the Spring of 2026 and construction will follow the phases as laid out below
Phase 01
Site Preparation
Installing access roads, fencing, substations, and power lines
Phase 02
Foundation and Mounting Installation
Laying foundation Assembling mounting frames
Phase 03
Solar Panels and Electrical Systems
Placing panels and connecting electrical systems
Phase 04
Grid Connection and Testing
Connecting to the grid, comprehensive testing
Phase 05
Landscaping, Restoration
Finalizing landscaping, restoring the site
Construction traffic
The Transport Route
The Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) agreed by Cornwall Council as part of the planning permissions requires HGV construction traffic to access the site via the A30 and A3058 (see adjacent image). This remains the approved and enforceable route.
In response to concerns raised by residents and following discussions with local councillors and the community, European Energy has submitted a revised CTMP to Cornwall Council for approval. This revised routing cannot be implemented unless and until it is formally approved.
The proposed change would revise the construction traffic route to use main roads with fewer homes, businesses and sensitive locations, helping to reduce impacts on everyday village life. These proposals have been developed directly in response to community feedback, and we will provide updates as soon as a decision is received.
Tregonning Solar Farm and co-located Battery Storage Facility
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
The Indian Queens Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will store electricity generated by the solar farm and release it back to the grid when demand is highest.
This helps:
Balance electricity supply and demand
Improve grid resilience
Maximise the efficient use of renewable energy
The BESS will have a capacity of 47.5MW and is located at Indian Queens, directly adjacent to the National Grid Energy Transition (NGET) 400kV substation.
It connects to Tregonning Solar Farm via an approximately 8.5km underground 33kV cable.
BESS Construction and Operation
Site mobilisation is planned from May 2026
Working hours:
Monday–Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm
No Bank Holiday or weekend working
No deliveries after 4:00pm on weekdays
Once built, the BESS will operate quietly and largely invisibly, with only occasional maintenance visits.
Where possible, deliveries are scheduled outside peak traffic times to minimise disruption.
Tregonning Solar Farm and co-located Battery Storage Facility
Underground Cable Route
An underground cable route will connect Tregonning Solar Farm and the BESS to the national grid at Indian Queens.
Key points:
Approximately 8.5km in length
Entirely underground (no overhead power lines)
Installed largely within existing highway land or private land
Connects at a Grid Supply Point east of the A30
How the Cable Works Will Be Carried Out
Cable installation will progress in short sections along the route
Trenches will be excavated, ducts installed, cables laid and surfaces reinstated
Works will be carefully coordinated around existing utilities
Road access for residents, businesses and emergency services will be maintained at all times
Temporary traffic management will be in place where required
Cable Works -Working Hours and Mobilisation
Cable Works site mobilisation: late June 2026
Working hours:
Monday–Friday: 8:00am – 6:00pm No weekend or Bank Holiday working No weekday deliveries after 4:00pm
Traffic measures include:
Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders where necessary Advance notice to affected residents and businesses
Clearly signed diversion routes
HGV routing via main roads and major junctions, avoiding narrow village roads wherever possible
EE in the UK
Working with Cornwall Council
We are working with Cornwall Council to support their ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030, as set out in their Climate Change Action Plan. Our planet is already under pressure from the carbon released into the atmosphere, and meaningful action is needed to protect both current and future generations. One of the most effective ways to reduce emissions is by changing how we produce and use energy. By increasing the use of renewable energy sources, businesses and households can play a vital role in lowering carbon emissions and contributing to a cleaner, greener Cornwall.
You can read more about Cornwall Council’s climate commitments here:
In alignment with European Energy’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Tregonning Solar Farm incorporates planning to enhance biodiversity. Our proposals involve the creation of new habitats, offering food and shelter to local wildlife. We will continue to develop our plans throughout the build as the site becomes part of the landscape and we welcome local knowledge and input from the community.
Communications / Cyfathrebu
We understand the importance of open communication and transparency. Throughout the construction process, we are committed to keeping you well-informed about project developments, timelines, and any potential impacts on the local area. Regular updates will be provided through this site, through contact from our UK team and through channels agreed with the local community.
European Energy takes the safety and security of its employees, sites and host communities extremely seriously. If you feel that you have an issue or an incident that we should be aware of, you can either email the team tregonning@europeanenergy.com, contact the Project Communications Manager liwi@europeanenergy.com or you can use our issues and incidents form using the link below (opens in a new window)
European Energy working with The Considerate Constructor Scheme
This site operates under the Considerate Constructors Scheme.
We are committed to being a good neighbour by keeping the site safe and well managed, minimising noise, dust and disruption where possible, and respecting the local community, environment and everyone we work with.
Our construction activities are carefully planned and managed to be considerate of those living and working nearby.
Tregonning Solar Farm
News and Updates
Tregonning
Tregonning Project update and a new community meeting
Apr 24, 2026
Great House Farm, Kincraig, Maisemore, Marksbury Updates, Tregonning, Trinity, Vicarage Drove
Taking a Moment to Reflect This Spring
Apr 02, 2026
Tregonning
Tregonning Solar Farm Information Evening
Mar 20, 2026
Tregonning
Tregonning Solar Farm Information Evening
Feb 27, 2026
Tregonning Solar Farm
Latest updates
Updates for construction activities in 2026
Type: pdf
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Tregonning Solar Farm
Images from around Tregonning Solar Farm
European Energy Team
Contacts
Your feedback is valuable to us, and we encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns. We are dedicated to fostering collaborative and positive relationships as we work together toward a sustainable future.
