Conrad Energy has started construction on a 1.5 MW on-site solar project for Belton Farm.
In collaboration with building technology specialist Ivegate, the independent energy producer (IPP) has officially taken the first step in the field of ground-mounted solar PV installation. Once work is completed on site, Conrad Energy says the installation will reduce Belton Farm’s Co2 emissions by up to 350 tonnes next year.
Belton Farm is a cheese maker that has been producing cheese at its site in Whitchurch, Shropshire since 1922.
In July this year, Conrad Energy announced it had entered into a 25-year power purchase agreement with Belton Farm for solar energy from the new facility, after planning permission for the project was granted in April. Speaking in July, Belton Farm Managing Director Justin Beckett said: “Conrad Energy has worked closely with us to find the best way to meet our cost and sustainability targets. Additionally, the new solar plan will be funded by Conrad Energy under a long-term PPA, allowing us to focus on what we do best: making award-winning cheese.”
Steven Hardman, CEO of Conrad Energy, added: “It is always a pleasure to work with companies that share our vision for the energy landscape. As a company with a long history, Belton Farm is committed to making decisions for the long term, and we are excited to be part of their team of trusted advisors as we move into the future.”
Conrad Energy is expanding its ambitions
Since launching in 2016, Conrad Energy has steadily expanded its presence in the UK with both solar PV power plants and BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) projects. The company currently has 2.5GW of solar and BESS projects under development, with 129MW under construction and 854MW of operational capacity across 83 UK sites.
Earlier this year, in February, Conrad Energy secured planning permission for a 15.23 MW solar PV power plant in Yeovil, Somerset, in partnership with Leonardo Helicopters, after last year obtaining planning permission for a 15 MW BESS in the region.
More recently, Conrad Energy successfully powered the 45MW Larport Solar Farm, located in Herefordshire, in June. The energy from this development will be sold to the financing company BNP Paribas under an initial PPA of 15 years.
