RWE Renewables launches UK’s first Solar Developer’s Charter
The first developer’s charter for solar and storage projects in the UK has been launched by RWE Renewables, which sets out 15 commitments that the company says it will adopt as it delivers local schemes.
Baroness Taylor, right, with RWE’s Katja Wünschel at Cotmoor solar farm. (Photo: RWE)
The charter outlines promises in areas such as good land management; meaningful local community engagement; enhancing local heritage and the rural environment; and respect for human rights.
The launch of its charter was made at RWE’s Cotmoor solar farm, in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, which is now more than 75% complete and is set to be the company’s first operational solar site.
RWE also announced that it would be starting construction on four new solar projects at Copse Lodge, Fraddon, Laynes Wood and Wick Farm, which would all have a combined capacity of around 200 megawatts – enough to provide clean energy to more 80,000 UK homes.
Minister for Housing and Local Government, Baroness Sharon Taylor of Stevenage, was at Cotmoor solar farm for the launch of the developer’s charter and the announcement of the four new solar farms.
She said: “It was a pleasure to visit RWE’s Cotmoor solar farm to see progress on the construction of the project which, once operational, will generate enough clean power for 24,000 UK homes.
“I welcome its ‘Developer’s Charter’ formalising the company’s commitment to good site management, meaningful community engagement and respect for the local environment. Ensuring the delivery of clean, affordable and reliable green energy projects, working to best practice development and delivery principles, is an important objective for the Government.”
Katja Wünschel, CEO, RWE Renewables Europe and Australia, was also at Cotmoor, where she said: “Starting construction on these four new solar farms marks another major step in our renewable energy journey here in the UK. With 11 solar projects now in construction RWE is making an important contribution to ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
More information on RWE’s developer’s charter here.
