Towards Net Zero
Renewables are vital in responding to the climate crisis by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming.
Projects in the UK
Twelve Month Hill Solar Farm
*1 Stated figure is calculated using the Subnational Electricity Consumption Statistics 2005 to 2023 (DESNZ, 2024) based on average domestic consumption per household of 3,599kWh in West Lindsey. Number of houses in West Lindsey retrieved from Census 2021, (Office for National Statistics, 2021)
*2. Stated figure is calculated using the Greenhouse Gas Reporting: Conversion Factors 2024 (DESNZ, 2024). All figures reported to 3 significant figures unless stated otherwise.
Cabling, Access and Security
Electrical Cabling
All electrical cabling to the substation will be underground. Small container sized buildings are also required for storage. It is proposed that all buildings have a green or dark brown finish.
Access Tracks
Existing tracks will be used where available. New access tracks will be 4 metres wide and will be built of crushed stone over a geo-textile membrane. Where possible, tracks will be allowed to grass over once construction is finished.
Security
The perimeter fence will be approximately 2 metres high, consisting of wooden posts supporting traditional wire stock fencing.
Preliminary Environmental Survey Results
- Ecological Surveys:
Typical farmland species have been observed over more than two years of surveying. Enhancement planting on the south and west and beneath and around the panels will encourage biodiversity and improve soils.
- Landscape and Visual:
The Site is remote and largely screened. Views from Caistor, Grasby, the Viking Way and other points arounds the Site are being assessed. Planting is proposed to shelter views where possible. A Landscape and Visual Assessment is underway.
- Cultural Heritage:
The former Thor nuclear missile bunkers are located within the Site – the design has been arranged to avoid any cold war features. A geophysical survey of the Site has identified potential archaeology features in an area of the Site, which has been avoided to protect any potential archaeology.
- Hydrology, Geology and Soils:
The infrastructure is located outside of areas of high risk of flooding. Where land is taken out of intense agricultural production, soils will be rested and improve without the application of chemicals for the duration of the scheme. A soils survey is underway.
- Traffic and Transport:
There will be two entrances to the Site, both from Caistor Road, using existing field entrances and farm tracks. Traffic will be routed from the A46 to the B1434, onto Station Road then Caistor Road. Advance notice will be provided for road users and residents ahead of the 9 to 12-month construction period.
- Noise:
The noise assessment is underway. There is expected to be an overall low level of noise from the solar farm and no adverse effect is anticipated.
- Our Community Promise:
As part of our commitment to supporting the local community, we’re proud to offer a Developer Contribution Fund of £2,000 per megawatt of installed capacity from our upcoming solar farm. This funding is designed to support local projects, initiatives and facilities, ensuring the benefits of clean, renewable energy are shared with the people who live closest to it. Together, we can build a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone.
- Boosting Biodiversity:
A biodiversity strategy is being prepared that ensures existing habitats are enhanced and new ones created to benefit local wildlife. Planting of hedgerows and wildflower grassland will support invertebrates, mammals, birds and other local species and promote biodiversity.
- Land Use:
The installation has been designed to leave spaces between the rows of panels to avoid shading and maximise electricity generation. This will leave much of the fenced solar array area as uncovered grassland managed to return the area to healthy soil.
- Sensitive Design:
The iterative design process has informed a layout which provides a successful low carbon energy production while minimising impacts.
The Need for Renewables
There is widespread awareness of the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and an encouragement to increase the generation and use of renewable energy.
UK electricity consumption is set to double as the population transitions to electric vehicles and domestic gas heating and cooking moves to electricity.
West Lindsey District Council has committed to making the area as a whole carbon neutral by 2050 at the latest and is making changes to get there.
The UK has committed to becoming Net Zero by 2050 and a target to decarbonise the electricity grid with the Clean Power 2030 action plan. Renewable energy developments like the Twelve Month Hill Solar Farm are a key part of addressing the Climate Emergency, as part of the delivery of an overall mix of new renewable energy generation projects across the Country. The importance of this is reinforced by the UK Governments’ Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Tackling the Climate Through Renewable Energy
A Climate Critical Solution
Expanding renewable energy is essential for cutting carbon emissions and achieving legally binding climate targets.
Global Energy Security
Powering a stable future.
Renewable energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, strengthening global energy independence and resilience.
Domestic Heating
Clean heat at home.
Switching to low-carbon heating systems like heat pumps reduces household emissions and improves energy efficiency.
Providing Green Energy for Transport
Powering transport, with green energy, from cars and buses to shipping, reduces air pollution and supports a cleaner, renewable-powered future.