Lincolnshire is swiftly evolving into a leading hub for solar farms. With over 10,000 acres already sanctioned for solar panel installations and a further 13,000 acres awaiting approval, the county proudly stands well above the national average. This observation has been underscored by the campaign group, Lincolnshire Against Needless Destruction. However, the developments have not been without criticism, and some local leaders have described them as ‘a significant disfigurement to the landscape’.
The appeal of Lincolnshire lies not in contemporary tech, but in its historical industrial roots. The county’s decommissioned coal-fired power stations, including those at Cottam, West Burton, and High Marnham, provide vital grid connections with residual capacity. These links smoothly channel solar energy into residences. As the final station, Ratcliffe-on-Soar is due to shut down in 2024, developers are eager to make use of these available connections.
The county’s flat topography also contributes to its attractiveness, as it renders solar panels less noticeable and more straightforward to install. Farmers, grappling with economic difficulties, are increasingly amenable to leasing their land for solar farms. Some have even managed to earn up to £1,200 per acre through this engagement—a significant increase from what traditional farming would yield.
The combination of historical infrastructure and economic necessity indicates that solar farms are set to continue expanding within the Lincolnshire landscape. This development is in line with the nation’s goal to achieve Net Zero emissions.
This report has been adapted by The Lincoln Post using original reporting from Lincolnshire Live.
