EDF Renewables UK, the UK branch of the French energy firm, has announced that two of its solar projects have started the site preparation and construction phases. These projects, Porth Wen facility in Anglesey and the Burwell project in southeast Cambridgeshire, have a combined capacity of about 100 MW. These projects are expected to be online by the fourth quarter of 2022. Each solar power plant will have a 49.9 MW capacity and be capable of supplying 9,500 houses with clean energy.
Reportedly, the two projects were included in the solar portfolio of EDF Renewables UK in March 2021. Since then, the company has conducted pre-construction environmental and ecological surveys at the two solar farms. Additionally, it has engaged local stakeholders, finalised planning conditions, received highway permits, appointed contractors for the projects, and finalised planning conditions. The solar facilities would provide £20,000 annually to the local communities of each project, which will be utilised to support local priorities, education programmes, and biodiversity programmes.
Earlier this month, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority awarded EDF Renewables North America a 1 GW solar and battery storage contract as part of its 2021 solicitation for large-scale renewable energy certificates. The Columbia Solar Energy Centre and Ridge View Solar Energy Centre, each with 350 MWac of capacity and 20 MW of co-located battery storage, are among the solar projects included in the contract.
