Vattenfall is to start construction on its first solar project in the UK this month, as part of a pilot project to help the Swedish energy giant maximize the generation potential of its existing UK sites.
The 4.99MW Parc Cynog Solar Farm in Wales is located on the site of an 11-turbine Vattenfall windfarm, which has been in operation for 14 years. Vattenfall said today it expects the new solar array to start generating power in March.
In a statement Vattenfall said co-locating wind with solar power makes “technical sense”, as the wind and sun tend to generate clean power at different times.
Moreover, the solar farm will use the same grid connection as the existing windfarm, reducing grid connection costs.
Co-location sites - also known as “hybrid parks” - are being trialed by a number of green energy firms as developers seek to maximize the capacity of every grid connection.
Last October, Ecotricity announced plans for three new hybrid renewable energy parks featuring a mix of wind and sun generation, to provide a more consistent energy supply from the sites.
Vattenfall added it is conducting a feasibility study into installing a suite of solar panels on local community buildings as part of the Parc Cynog project, at no cost to local residents. (The Guardian)
PHOTO: Co-location sites - also known as ‘hybrid parks’ - are being trialed by a number of green energy firms.
CREDIT: Alamy.
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