In a groundbreaking step towards harnessing green energy, Veolia has ushered in the era of the UK’s largest solar array at its Ockendon facility in Essex. Situated on a beautifully restored landfill site, the facility shines as a beacon of renewable energy possibilities.
Veolia: A New Solar Milestone
Veolia’s announcement marks a significant moment in the journey towards sustainable energy in the UK. The facility boasts an impressive 59MWp of renewable electricity capacity. In layman’s terms? It’s capable of lighting up over 15,000 homes with clean energy. Matt Partridge, the development director at REG Power Management, expresses his enthusiasm:
“We’re delighted to have worked with Veolia to help deliver another significant clean energy development. Projects like this are essential if we are to meet our targets for low-cost, zero-emission electricity generation using the UK’s abundant renewable energy resources.”
Technical Specifications of the Facility
The technical prowess of this project is evident in the numbers. The facility utilizes approximately 107,000 solar modules. These are rated at either 540Wp or 545Wp. Crafted with innovation at the forefront, these modules are designed to maximise power density by absorbing sunlight on both sides. It doesn’t end there; these modules connect to inverters that seamlessly convert direct current into alternating current. This energy then finds its way to our homes through the grid linked to the nearby Warley substation.
The Importance of Landfill Restoration
Veolia’s commitment to the environment shines through in their landfill restoration programme, initiated back in 2017. This new facility’s development underscores the importance of this initiative, especially considering the series of solar panels installed across multiple sites in 2021. As Donald Macphail, Chief Operating Officer – Treatment at Veolia, rightly puts it:
“This latest renewable energy development is a further step towards achieving a net-zero carbon future for the UK, and a demonstration of how we can transform this restored landfill to give it a new life.”
An Environmentally-conscious Step Forward
With a staggering 800GWh of electricity generated through various renewable sources, Veolia’s efforts are commendable. Their contribution extends to solar, biomass, biogas, and Energy Recovery facilities (ERF), all proudly qualifying under the Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) scheme. This energy bonanza equates to powering a massive 240,000 homes.
Benefits to the National Grid and Wildlife
Landfill sites seem to be the unsung heroes of the energy sector. With existing connections, they can efficiently provide solar power to the National Grid. This process cuts down exorbitant costs that might be incurred otherwise. In addition, the solar arrays have been meticulously designed to have minimal ground impact, ensuring that the thriving wildlife on the restored land remains undisturbed.
Veolia holds UK’s largest solar array…
Veolia’s breakthrough project in Essex exemplifies how innovation can bridge the gap between sustainability and our ever-growing energy needs. As the UK’s largest solar array springs to life on a restored landfill, it leaves us pondering the infinite possibilities ahead. We invite you, our readers, to share your thoughts and comments on this venture. How do you envision the future of renewable energy?
