Planned construction of the Barkham solar farm has been paused due to changes to the government’s proposed timescales for connection to the national electricity system.
In a statement, Wokingham borough council said the government has changed its timetable for renewable schemes across the country, leaving some projects that had clear timescales, such as Barkham, no longer able to rely on early connection dates or certainty over how much electricity they’ll be able to export.
Construction on Barkham solar farm was due to start in spring 2026. Under the original arrangements, an initial connection was contracted for 2027, followed by a full connection in 2028.
While the initial connection date remains in place, full connection is now scheduled for some time between 2031 and 2035. The lack of certainty over export capacity and future income means it would not be responsible for the council to enter a multi-million-pound contract and start construction at this time.
The council is actively challenging the changes and pressing for the original connection dates to remain in place. Senior leaders, including the chief executive, council leader and executive member have written to the organisations responsible and met with network representatives to seek answers.
Work is also underway with industry partners to highlight the wider impact of the reforms, strengthening the case for the decision to be reviewed.
Cllr Katrin Harding, executive member for environment and climate emergency, said: “This delay is not of the council’s making.
“Barkham solar farm was ready to proceed, with planning, funding in place and a clear delivery programme based on connection dates that had already been agreed.
“We recognise that changes to the electricity connection system were needed to bring cleaner, secure energy online. However, it is particularly disappointing that a locally owned project like Barkham, which is ready to start construction, has been delayed – especially when more solar power is needed before 2030 and this scheme could help deliver it.
“While this creates uncertainty in the short term, we remain fully committed to the project and are confident it will be a strong and valuable asset for the borough once it moves forward.”
The Barkham solar farm is a key part of the council’s climate emergency action plan and its work towards a carbon neutral borough. By generating renewable energy locally and feeding it back into the grid, the project will help reduce carbon emissions and support secure and sustainable energy resources.
Current forecasts also show the solar farm is expected to generate a significant net income for the council which will help fund important local services at a time of increasing financial pressures.”
Income from the project has already been included in the council’s medium term financial plans, meaning it may have to find additional revenue or look at cutting costs.
Cllr Harding told Wokingham Today:”We’re committed to doing everything we can to secure the original connection dates for Barkham Solar Farm and avoid any financial impact.
“The project was expected to start generating income for the council in the next few years, helping to support local services.
“The delayed connection dates would increase the financial pressure we are already facing.
“We don’t know what the full impact would be at this stage as connection dates and costs aren’t confirmed.”
