Devon County Council has received a major funding injection from the UK government for projects exploring ways to reduce the county’s carbon emissions.
A grant of almost £200,000 has been awarded by the South West Net Zero Hub’s Local Net Zero Capacity and Development Fund, and will be split between two local government projects, both of which will explore the potential of solar energy in the region.
The first project, awarded £97,000, will explore the possibility of developing solar farms on disused landfill sites. When landfills are decommissioned, they are covered with a layer of topsoil, but the potential instability of the land limits their future use. However, as the mounting of solar panels does not need to be buried deeply, Devon County Council will explore the possibilities of using this land for the development of solar farms.
Speaking about this project, Councilor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for climate change, environment and transport, said: “This money will allow us to investigate whether these sites can be used to generate clean, green energy and potentially generate income for the community to generate. We are very excited to continue these types of projects, and if they can be delivered they will help us achieve our goal of net zero Devon by 2030.
“Solar farms can be designed to complement and enhance biodiversity, and we are watching with interest to see similar projects currently underway in Plymouth and Torquay.”
Meanwhile, the second project, awarded £99,851, will create a decarbonisation plan for the Heathfield Industrial Estate in partnership with Teignbridge District Council. This plan examines the feasibility of introducing renewable energy options, including solar PV installations, to the site.
Councilor Jackie Hook, Teignbridge District Council’s lead on climate change, added: “We are pleased to have secured funding from the South West Net Zero Hub and the unique opportunity this provides to engage with businesses on Heathfield Industrial Estate to get in touch. Bringing businesses together through partnership will play a crucial role in accelerating our journey to net zero emissions and creating a resilient low-carbon economy in a way that can be replicated across the South West and nationally. We look forward to working with Devon County Council to make this project a success.”
Solar farms on landfills: a counterbalance to land use debates?
In recent months there has been much discussion about the use of land for solar farm development, largely fueled by statements made by former Energy Minister Claire Coutinho. Coutinho argued that land with agricultural potential should not be approved for solar farm development, fueling fears of food insecurity.
Despite her successor, Ed Miliband, speaking out against the misconception that solar farms pose a threat to food security, concerns remain.
Redeveloped landfills could be a welcome response to this debate, and the proposals being explored by Devon County Council are not without precedent; In September last year, a solar farm developed by Veolia on a restored landfill site in Essex was commissioned.
