A 43,000-panel solar farm in Barkham faces a delay of up to seven years because of Government changes to how grid connections are prioritised.
Work on Wokingham Borough Council’s Barkham Solar Farm was due to start in Spring but has been put on hold due to the changes which will mean its full grid connection, initially due in 2028, is now due between 2031 and 2035.
Ofgem approved changes to how the National Energy System Operator (NESO) manages grid connection applications last April in a bid to clear backlogs.
But the changes have reduced priority for the Barkham scheme which would have produced considerable income for Wokingham Borough Council, which is seeking to challenge the changes.
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.”
Ofgem has been asked for comment.
© Thames Tap (powered by ukpropertyforums.com).
This article and its contents are the intellectual property of UK Property Forums and may not be reproduced, distributed, or used in any form without prior written permission. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not constitute legal or professional advice.
