EDF Renewables to explore ecological benefits of solar farms
EDF Renewables is calling for academic partners to help it deliver on a research programme to explore the ecological and biodiversity benefits of solar farms.
The project, in partnership with environmental consultants Nature Positive, will focus on Longfield Solar Farm, a proposed new solar farm on approximately 380 hectares of intensive arable farmland near Chelmsford, Essex.
The research aims to look at the positive impacts that large-scale solar farms can have on biodiversity, soil health and carbon, wildlife habitats and farmland management in the UK.
Around 50 hectares on the site will be available as an experimental area for researchers, who are invited to register their interest and submit proposals via the Nature Positive website by 29 July 2022.
Commenting on the project, Mark Lang of Nature Positive said: “Whilst solar farms have become increasingly important in meeting the national need for renewable energy, the potential benefits they can have in improving biodiversity and providing other ecosystem services have to date been poorly understood.
“It is hoped the research will contribute to the collective understanding of how solar farms can be effectively managed to enhance biodiversity, influencing current best practice in the rapidly growing solar industry.”
Ben Fawcett, head of solar at EDF Renewables added: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Nature Positive on this important project to demonstrate how solar can help the interlinked challenges of reaching net zero and increasing biodiversity.
More information: Nature Positive
