The Development
Great North Road (GNR) Solar and Biodiversity Park would comprise the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, an on-site energy storage facility and the infrastructure needed to connect the scheme into the national grid at Staythorpe substation, as well as biodiversity enhancements including 64,500 trees and 50km of new hedgerow.
In addition, 28 new permissive routes are proposed, comprising 22 footpaths and 6 bridleways, totalling 34.8 km of new recreational routes.
The location
The project is proposed to occupy approximately 1,765 hectares of land to the northwest of Newark, Nottinghamshire. Of this, approximately 1,025 hectares would be used for solar area development. The remaining area is allocated for mitigation and enhancement measures, underground cabling, and safe access during construction.
Biodiversity enhancements being proposed include planting of 64,500 trees, the creation of over 800 acres of dedicated biodiversity areas outside the solar panel areas, and over 50 km of new hedgerow.
The overview masterplan below denotes the extent of the land available for the proposed solar park and its grid connection.
A key factor influencing the location of GNR Solar Park is the availability of a connection at National Grid’s Staythorpe substation. The closure of fossil fuel power stations has created capacity on the grid.
In addition, a range of planning and environmental factors such as the existing land use, quality of land, and technical constraints have also informed our choice of location for the project.
Please click here to view a downloadable version of the masterplan.
The need for GNR Solar Park
The UK has set legally binding targets to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Large-scale solar development is recognised as playing an important role in supporting the transition to a low-carbon energy system. Government policy continues to support a significant expansion of solar capacity as part of wider ambitions for a secure, low-carbon electricity system.
Subject to being consented and becoming operational, GNR Solar and Biodiversity Park would make an important contribution towards these goals, generating clean, home-grown electricity and supporting UK energy security. It would also contribute to reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and help put downward pressure on wholesale energy costs over time.
Key benefits
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Contributing to national and local climate targets by generating clean, reliable electricity
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Helping reduce household bills and provide energy security with home-grown solar power
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Increasing biodiversity and protecting wildlife with additional plantings and protected areas
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A community benefit fund, known as NG+, of around £1 million per annum would support initiatives that directly benefit local communities.
The proposals for GNR Solar and Biodiversity Park are being developed by Elements Green, who has a proven track record in renewable energy development across three continents, and with over 14 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy development in the pipeline.
Elements Green is dedicated to developing renewable energy solutions that provide lasting benefits for communities and the environment. GNR Solar and Biodiversity Park, our flagship project, demonstrates our commitment to clean energy, community engagement and sustainability.
Further information about Elements Green is available here.
The developer
History of energy generation in the area
GNR Solar Park would continue the rich history of power generation in this area. Staythorpe housed some of National Grid’s first infrastructure in 1953, and has since been central to electricity transmission all around the country, from Hull to London.
Staythorpe ‘A’ was a coal-fired power station that operated from 1950 until 1983. By 1962, Staythorpe ‘B’ became operational using coal, however after being shut down in 1994, the location became the site for the current Staythorpe substation. In 2010, gas-powered Staythorpe ‘C’ power station became the second largest Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) in the UK, providing energy to two million homes.
As the coal-fired power stations in the area have closed down, this has created capacity in the grid, allowing GNR Solar Park to carry on the tradition of power generation the area using a clean, renewable resource.
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1953
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