Telford solar farm contract is awarded

Telford & Wrekin Council has announced IZEN energy systems will build the commercial-scale 4MW capacity solar farm on council-owned land in Wheat Leasows.

The farm will comprise of more than 16,000 panels on a site of 30 acres which should generate enough electricity to power more than 800 homes.

It will be the first publicly-funded solar farm in the borough and will be one of only a few publicly funded solar farms in the UK.

At a meeting earlier this year, Councillor John Smart, chairman of Hadley and Leegomery Parish Council, said he was impressed with the plans.

The parish council raised no objections to the scheme, which could cost about £6 million.

Telford & Wrekin Council says it has made a commitment to move towards a more sustainable financial position to help offset government cuts.

It added the solar farm project is a part of its strategy to find new ways of generating income that will help protect frontline services.

The solar farm will also form a part of the council's wider energy strategy to aid a reduction in its carbon footprint which includes improving energy efficiency and energy generation in council buildings.

Councillor Shaun Davies, Telford & Wrekin's cabinet member with responsibility for commercial strategy & economic projects, said: "We're really pleased to confirm we have awarded the contract to IZEN to build the council's first solar farm.

"This project demonstrates our commitment to show community leadership and to be a greener council.

"Work on the solar farm will begin as soon as possible and the revenue from it will help to secure funding for future services."

IZEN energy systems, which has a subsidiary in Staffordshire, has 27 years of experience in the renewable energy sector.

As well as large solar plants, IZEN also installs residential and commercial solar systems.

A spokesman for the firm said: "We are proud to get the opportunity to contribute to a more sustainable council. This region is an example for local authorities.

"During the procurement process, the council notified the local supply chain who the key bidders were so that suppliers could proactively engage in the process at the tender stage.

"Engaging with supply chains at contract notice stage supports local sustainability through potential employment opportunities and commercial growth."

Meanwhile, there are plans for an 80,000-panel solar farm capable of providing power to nearly 6,000 houses on the outskirts of Shrewsbury.

Plans have been submitted by Bristol-based solar installation company Elgin Energy Esco Ltd to build the solar farm on a development site in Sundorne.

Similar plans for solar farms in Green Farm, about a mile north of Condover, near Shrewsbury, Charity Farm in Burlton, near Wem and Hadley Farm, near Whitchurch, have also been put forward.

A campaign has begun to stop solar farms springing up on the hills around Cleobury Mortimer.