Exton Energy is a proposed solar farm that would have a capacity of up to 49.9 MW. It would be located on 67 hectares of land bordered by Exton Lane and to the west of Barnsdale Avenue, approximately 1.8 km south west of Exton. This site was originally selected because of its grid connectivity, access to sunlight, and natural screening.

Exton Energy is being developed by Econergy, an Independent Power Producer. Econergy has a proven track record of building, owning, and operating renewable energy projects renewable energy projects across Europe. We are helping to power the world’s future energy needs with world-leading renewable energy plants optimised to provide a consistent supply of sustainable energy with a significant environmental impact.

To avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change, there is an urgent need to transition to low-carbon energy sources. The UK is a global climate leader, having made ambitious targets to be net-zero by 2050, and have a net-zero power supply by 2035. At the local level, Rutland County Council has declared a climate crisis and underlined its commitment to addressing this global issue. In order to meet these targets, more renewable energy generation is needed. Furthermore, energy security is a growing concern, so there is a great need for locally produced renewable energy. Exton Energy offers a low cost and safe way of delivering clean, renewable energy to approximately 14,400 homes.

[1] Based on Ofgem’s typical household consumption values.

The site for Exton Energy was selected because of its proximity to a grid connection and access to sunlight, with natural screening on all sides. The land is mostly comprised of Grade 3b agricultural land, which is considered moderate quality, with no environmental designations or public rights of way.

Renewable technologies, such as solar, reduce the levels of carbon dioxide that are being emitted into the atmosphere by replacing electricity generation from fossil fuels. With a generating capacity of 49.9 MW, Exton Energy would save a total of approximately 15,030 tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere each year. That’s the equivalent of removing approximately 3,330 cars from our roads.

Solar farms can deliver major benefits to the environment, in addition to cutting carbon emissions. Because the panels are set on posts with minimal disturbance to the ground, the rest of the land is available to support new plant and animal life, often resulting in a significant increase in biodiversity. This could include establishing wildflower meadows that are habitats for pollinators and birds, promoting wetland habitats to reduce flood risk and support aquatic life, or restoring hedgerows and native species.

Not at all. The land at the proposed Exton Energy site is comprised of mostly Grade 3b agricultural land. This is defined as moderate quality, with limited ability to grow many crops. Whilst the solar farm is operational, the soil would be left to recover so that it would be higher quality at the end of the life of the solar panels. Furthermore, the land between the solar panels can be used for grazing or hosting beehives, to support agriculture and produce renewable energy at the same time.

You informed us of concerns of increased flooding. A flood risk assessment and drainage strategy has now been produced for the site. The assessment recommends a sustainable drainage strategy to manage surface water runoff from in order to mitigate any increases compared to the existing baseline. This strategy will positively impact the surrounding land.

Exton Energy will generate clean, renewable energy which not only reduces carbon emissions to fight the threat of climate change, but also reduces other types of air pollution caused by conventional energy production.

Econergy is committed to increasing biodiversity and improving the environment through additional wildlife enhancements at the Exton Energy site. We would like to hear from the local community about these ideas to determine how the project could be designed to maximise the positive impacts for both the environment and the local community.

We are making available a payment of £500 for each MW produced per year, amounting to a total of £1,000,000 over the 40-year operational period. This would be available for local improvements as identified by the local community. The development will also be subject to Business Rate payments to Rutland County Council, which are likely to be in the region of £125,000 per year, or £5,000,000 over the life of the project.

Econergy is also committed to using local suppliers whenever possible, creating new jobs during construction and throughout operation.

Econergy will be submitting a full planning application for Exton Energy to Rutland County Council, which is the local planning authority for the project.

The area of the proposed site for Exton Energy is approximately 67 hectares.

The overall site area has decreased by around 14 hectares. This is a result of the removal of panels on the western side to create a buffer for vital ecosystems.

The number of panels depends on a variety of factors such as the capacity of each panel, and the design of the arrays. This will be determined at the pre-construction phase of the project, if planning permission is granted and will also be dependent on the type of panels and supporting infrastructure that are commercially available at the time of construction.

Currently, we are proposing the maximum height will not exceed 3 metres.

The project will make use of a nearby grid access point, providing electricity into the grid for use by local homes and businesses. We are also exploring an option to provide a direct line to a local utility provider.

The projects are proposed to connect to the local network via underground cables.

The project is a temporary installation, it is envisaged that the operational lifespan of the project will be approximately 40 years.

You informed us that of concerns about historical features in the area. We have conducted a geophysical assessment which identifies any below ground archaeology. In consultation with the Rutland County Council, a mitigation strategy is being developed to preserve any archaeology of significance.

It is envisaged that there will be fencing around the site. This would be sited inside the outermost hedgerows and vegetation, ensuring that the fence is visually obscured, and access is available for hedge trimming and maintenance.

The perimeter of the site would be protected by a system of CCTV cameras and/or infra-red cameras, which would provide full 24-hour surveillance around the entire perimeter. There would be no lighting within the site at night-time.

Solar panels and the associated electrical infrastructure are not known to pose any health risks to those living in close proximity to the site. Like most electrical equipment, including some found in domestic households, the required infrastructure at Exton Energy will emit very low electromagnetic frequency. The primary component to emit EMF is the inverter. All inverters are tested and have to be compliant with IEC 55011 and IEC 61000-6-2 before they can be used.

We have identified two access points for the site located on its southern perimeter along Exton Lane.

We anticipate 10 commercial vehicles per day during the construction period.

You informed us of concerns about potential noise, particularly near properties along Barnsdale Avenue, Barnsdale Gardens, and the Falconry Centre. We have undertaken a noise assessment based on our updated proposals. The completed noise assessment confirms that any potential adverse impacts can be suitably mitigated.

You informed us that the potential visual impact of the development was of concern. We have developed a Landscape and Visual Assessment which includes mitigation that takes into consideration views around the perimeter of the site. Additional planting to improve natural screening and buffers from visual receptors has been included.

Solar panels are designed to absorb light and not to reflect it. They pose little risk of glint or glare. Testament to this fact is the installation of solar panels at Gatwick Airport, alongside major roads and other sensitive assets.

However, we have conducted a Glint and Glare Assessment to ensure there are no significant impacts. The final reports will all be submitted with the application and be available to view on Rutland County Council’s website.

Exton Energy will create both direct and indirect permanent jobs throughout construction and operation. Contract opportunities may be indirectly created through the land management requirements and site maintenance activities such as cleaning of panels and maintenance of electrical equipment. Econergy is committed to using local suppliers wherever possible.

Solar power is now one of the most cost-effective sources of electricity generation in the UK. The Government has decided that subsidies should no longer play any role in solar development, which is good news for the consumer. This means that Exton Energy will not receive any government funding, and instead, private sector investment can provide clean renewable energy and new innovative technologies at no additional costs to the consumer. Furthermore, as conventional forms of energy are becoming increasingly volatile, locally-generated renewable energy offers a more stable and reliable source of energy.