MAJOR reforms are needed says Wokingham Borough Council after discovering a potential 11-year delay to a solar power scheme designed to save Wokingham borough money and generate clean energy.
It says it has written to the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) demanding changes to the electricity connections process as a matter of urgency.
OFGEM is currently seeking feedback on a range of reforms they have proposed to government. The council says if they are implemented then proposals for a new solar farm at Barkham could get back on track.
At the time, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) said it is committed to providing the electricity distribution network infrastructure required to deliver net zero and work closely with its customers, communities and local authorities to help achieve decarbonisation aims.
A spokesperson added: “SSEN is responsible for the Distribution works being carried out in relation to this project and – throughout the process – project timelines have been communicated with the customer.
“Following completion of National Grid’s technical study, they have confirmed that transmission level works are required for the connection of this project. Those works, on which the project is dependent, are scheduled to be complete by 2037.”
This timescale isn’t good enough for the council, and it wants to see renewable schemes connected to the national grid much sooner to help support the government target of decarbonising the country’s power system by 2035.
It would also help make the country less dependent in importing gas or electricity from abroad.
Cllr Sarah Kerr, executive member for climate emergency and resident services, said: “Our solar farm proposals are incredibly important to the council, not just in achieving our climate emergency action plan ambitions, but also in generating income to help fund essential services for our residents.
“We were frustrated to receive news of the delay earlier this year. Since then we’ve been working closely with SSEN and National Grid to get to the root of the issue and see what can be done to make Barkham solar farm happen.
“We now understand we are very much aligned in our thinking, with all parties wanting to see the scheme go ahead but being held back by outdated processes and rules.”
She said the Government is also committed to switching to renewable energy sources and will be publishing its views later this summer.
“It’s critical that they listen to the voices calling for reforms to how the system works. We need a clear action plan in place to show how this will happen and when the reforms will be put in place to give the confidence needed to progress schemes,” she continued.
Wokingham Borough Council says it will also lobby ministers and MPs over the reforms, as well as working with bodies like the Local Government Association (LGA) to collectively campaign with other councils impacted on by these delays.
Work on the Barkham site has been stalled temporarily.
Cllr Kerr continued: “While rumours have been circulating that the site could be used for housing if the farm did not progress this is not the case. The land is not suitable for housing and the planning consent for the solar panels is for a fixed period. At the end of this the land immediately reverts to its original farmland status.
“Using this site for a solar farm is a major part of our plans to address the climate emergency and secure income for the council, as well as helping us deliver elements such as planting thousands of new trees and creating a new greenway to help improve walking and cycling routes across the area.”
