Norfolk solar farm ‘part of food security solution’
April 30, 2025
Solar ‘part of food security solution’ – developer
RWEA project manager behind plans for one of the UK’s largest solar farms said such developments were “part of the solution” to improving food security.
If approved, the High Grove Solar Farm would span 4,000 acres (1,619 hectares) across five sites near Swaffham and Dereham in Norfolk.
Concerns have been raised about the loss of good agricultural land to solar panels – and how that could impact food production in the UK.
But Michael Greslow, from the site’s developers – RWE – said the biggest threat to farmland was climate change and that “projects like High Grove solar farm are here to fight [it]”.
“Defra’s own reports are clear on that, with wetter winters and extreme heats there’s already lower yields affecting crops and degrading soil quality” he added.
High Grove would cover an area the equivalent of 2,267 football pitches and should generate enough energy to power 363,000 homes.
It is one of several major solar farms which could be built in Norfolk, with a smaller development near Reepham given approval last week.
The government is keen for such developments to be put forward, with the aim of tackling climate change and making the UK less reliant on foreign energy.
RWEHowever, solar farms are often controversial, with MPs from opposing parties calling for locals’ concerns about High Grove to be listened to.
Conservative MP George Freeman said it would have “massive repercussions” for the area and he had formed “an alliance” with Labour’s Terry Jermy to work with representatives from the area.
Freeman, who represents Mid Norfolk, said the development would directly affect 19 towns and villages with the site’s infrastructure of solar panels, sub stations, pylons and cables dispersed “across such a vast area”.
The former science minister added that while he supported “the transition to renewable energy” he “long opposed the loss of productive farmland”.
Jermy, the South West Norfolk MP, said he had spoken to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband about his concerns that more solar farms were proposed for Norfolk than other parts of the UK.
“Renewable energy does not fall evenly across the country – in Norfolk we are flat – it’s easy to get solar panels into the ground. We are disproportionately being impacted by solar farms,” Jermy said.
ReutersMr Greslow said RWE had made revisions to its initial proposals following feedback and had begun its next stage of consultation.
He said that further archaeological and environmental surveys would also take place and “there will certainly be refinements before we lock in a final layout”.
The government is expected to make its planning decision on High Grove in 2027.
Miliband has said he is “considering” plans to introduce regional pricing for power that could lead to lower bills in parts of the country that generate more energy.
Search
RECENT PRESS RELEASES
Related Post
