University solar farm plans set to progress

Plans for a solar farm that would help meet Lancaster University’s energy demands have been lined up for approval.Lancaster University is behind proposals for the 36,000 panel solar farm near to its main campus on agricultural land at Forest Hills.Earmarked for 53-acres of land east of Hazelrigg Lane, Scotforth, the Lancaster University Solar Farm would generate electricity to assist in meeting the university’s energy demandsThe solar farm would be capable of generating 16.5 MW of power, which is equivalent to powering 3,125 four-bed homes, and would save approximately 2,654 tonnes of CO2 emission annually.The panels will connect to invertor stations and then to a substation on the site through underground cabling. The electricity produced will feed into the university campus through a private connection.This application forms part of the university’s strategy for enhancing sustainability and increasing generation of renewable energy. The University’s declaration of a Climate Emergency in November 2020 includes a commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2035, specifically aiming to become carbon neutral for energy emissions by 2030. This has led to a clear need for use of renewable energy at its main campus, with the proposals helping to facilitate this modal shift in energy generation and usage. Lancaster Council planning officers have now recommended the bid for approval ahead of a planning regulatory committee meeting on Monday, 28 February.