The UK government has approved the Tillbridge Solar project, set to become the nation’s largest solar farm situated near Glentworth in Lincolnshire. Covering approximately 3,000 acres, the solar farm has an predicted capacity to provide power to around 300,000 homes, a breadth not achieved by any other existing solar farms in the UK. The farm, positioned south of the A631 between Gainsborough and Caenby Corner, has sparked controversy with critics expressing worries about how this could lead to the ‘industrialisation’ of rural areas.
Energy Secretary Michael Shanks spoke of the pivotal nature of this project in order to cut down on dependence on unstable gas prices. He declared that solar energy is crucial for advancing Britain towards becoming a leader in clean energy. Previously, Lincolnshire had already seen the approval of two other substantial solar projects—Gate Burton in West Lindsey and Mallard Pass in South Kesteven—this has caused some worry among local officials due to the density of such developments in the county.
East Lindsey Councillor, Tom Ashton expressed his reservations, referring to the project’s scale as ‘the thin end of the wedge of climate madness’. The Tillbridge initiative is a joint effort between Tribus Clean Energy and Recurrent Energy. The project includes proposals to link to the National Grid at the Cottam substation in Nottinghamshire.
This article was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting found on www.bbc.com.
