A UK-based flexible energy provider, Conrad Energy, has announced that its Larport Solar Farm has started to produce energy.
The Herefordshire solar farm is expected to produce 40,000MWh of renewable electricity annually: equivalent to powering 11,000 homes.
The solar farm was switched on at a ceremony attended by senior figures from Conrad Energy, including CEO Steven Hardman, principal contractor Ethical Power; CEO Tom Kneen; and representatives from bank BNP Paribas, including the UK Country Head Emmanuelle Bury.
The bank, which is a founding member of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, will use the energy generated to decarbonise its UK operations.
The farm is projected to save around 375,000 tonnes of carbon energy throughout its 40-year lifecycle, with the power sleeved to BNP Paribas via an initial 15-year Power Purchase Agreement.
The design of the farm was developed in consultation with the local community, with 40 hectares of native wildflower grassland having been created during the construction of the project.
Pairs of rare native black poplars have also been planted, as the project provides the local community with significant biodiversity net gain.
During the farm’s construction, Conrad Energy fitted solar panels to the roof of a nearby Primary (Elementary) School. This will help reduce energy costs through the provision of locally generated renewable energy.
Steven Hardman, CEO of Conrad Energy, comments: “The switching on of the Larport Solar Farm is an important moment for both Conrad Energy and BNP Paribas. We have found in the bank a company that shares our commitment to help the UK realise its net-zero ambitions.
“Solar has a significant role to play in the energy transition and so I look forward to seeing further projects switch on in the future.”
A series of plants
The Larport Solar Farm is the latest in Conrad Energy’s pipeline of projects, with the company also hosting a potential 950MW of energy generation and battery storage across its 85 UK sites.
Principal contractor Ethical Power delivered design optimisation and full-wrap engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services for the solar farm and will also provide operation and maintenance services.
Tom Kneen, CEO of Ethical Power, adds: “The delivery of Larport Solar Farm was full of challenges, but thanks to our unique vertical integration, we could complete the construction on time and to the highest standards, despite one of the wettest winters on record.
“It was the power of people that made Larport happen, both within Ethical Power and our exceptional partnership with Conrad Energy.”
