A major new solar site in Devon is now operational after being connected to the grid.
The 35MW Langford Solar Farm near Cullompton expects to generate around 49,500 megawatt hours of electricity every year - enough to meet the annual needs of around 15,000 typical Ƶ homes.
The park, which is owned by renewable energy company RWE, was connected to National Grid Electricity Distribution's high voltage 132kV network.
Jason Baker, NGED’s head of major projects in the South West, said: “This is an important project and its successful delivery is testament to all involved demonstrating a clear commitment to delivering secure, affordable and clean energy to our customers and communities.
"Enabling renewable energy generation schemes like this is vital to support the Ƶ energy transition.”
Langford is RWE’s first solar project in the Ƶ to go live.
It will have a 40-year lifespan and, according to its owners, will be capable of saving 25,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, equal to the annual emissions of more than 15,500 cars.
During construction, the project supported 70-80 jobs and is expected to deliver annual business rates exceeding £110,000.
Cullompton Town Council was awarded £40,000 through RWE’s Ƶ Solar Developers Charter to support rooftop solar PV and sustainability initiatives.
Katja Wünschel, chief executive of RWE Renewables Europe & Australia, said: “The energisation of Langford Solar Farm marks an important step for RWE’s solar ambitions in the Ƶ.
“This achievement reinforces our commitment to supporting the energy transition, with solar power playing a pivotal role in delivering secure, sustainable, and affordable energy for the future.”
