The winds of change are blowing through Lincolnshire as Windel Energy and Recurrent Energy’s joint venture, Fosse Green Energy, gears up for a statutory consultation on a proposed solar and storage project in the southwest of Lincoln. This initiative not only promises to bolster local electricity supplies but also aims to weave itself into the fabric of the community with a host of benefits that could resonate well beyond the solar panels.
At its core, the project plans to export and import electricity to the national electricity transmission network, which is a crucial step in enhancing the region’s energy resilience. But what truly sets this initiative apart is the underground cable connection to the proposed new National Grid Substation near Navenby, which is currently under a separate planning application by National Grid. This dual approach underscores the importance of integrating renewable energy sources into existing infrastructures, a move that could serve as a blueprint for similar projects across the UK.
Fosse Green Energy has shown a commitment to community engagement, having held an initial non-statutory consultation in Autumn 2023. The feedback gathered from that session has been pivotal in refining their plans. Lloyd Sandles, projects director at Windel Energy, emphasized the importance of local input: “The feedback we received at our first consultation in Autumn 2023 has been invaluable in shaping our plans.” This is a refreshing approach in an industry often criticized for top-down decision-making. By actively listening to residents, the developers have refined their preferred grid connection corridor to minimize social and environmental impacts, which is a win-win for both parties.
The updated proposals are not just about energy generation; they also include tangible benefits for the local community. Plans for creating permissive paths that link to Public Rights of Ways connecting local villages, planting community orchards, and enhancing biodiversity across the site are not just buzzwords—they represent a commitment to improving the local environment and community life. Moreover, there’s a plan to establish a community liaison group, allowing local representatives to engage directly with Fosse Green Energy. This kind of grassroots involvement is crucial for fostering trust and ensuring that the project aligns with the community’s needs.
James Whitney, business development manager at Recurrent Energy, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the low land footprint of the solar panels: “The solar panels and other associated infrastructure would take up a small percentage of the land inside our red line boundary, creating opportunities for planting and screening within the site.” This statement not only reassures locals about land use but also opens the door for discussions about community schemes that could further enhance local life.
As the consultation unfolds, it’s clear that Fosse Green Energy is not just looking to build a solar farm; they’re aiming to build a relationship with the community. This project could very well set a precedent for how renewable energy initiatives engage with local populations, balancing energy needs with community aspirations. The ripple effects of this approach may extend well beyond Lincoln, encouraging other developers to adopt similar strategies in their projects. In a world where community voices often get drowned out, Fosse Green Energy’s model could be the breath of fresh air the sector desperately needs.
