Developer to present 840-MW solar project to Oxfordshire communities

Berlin-based Photovolt Development Partners GmbH (PVDP) has initiated the public consultation process for a proposal to build an 840-MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant across three sites in Oxfordshire, South East England.

The Botley West Solar Farm project, as it is called, would be able to produce enough electricity to supply every home in Oxfordshire if completed, PVDP said in a statement on Thursday. All councils within the county have already signed up to an energy strategy under which “the majority of the low carbon energy needed in Oxfordshire is likely to be met by solar PV,” the developer added.

The plan is to split the construction of the solar farm across three site areas located within Cherwell, West Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse. As of November 3, PVDP is welcoming feedback from the communities across these site areas. This is the first phase of the consultation process and it is expected to run until December 15, 2022. PVDP plans public consultation events for the project across the local area, it said.

The developer pointed out that the project has been designed with biodiversity in mind and will enable continued agricultural use, including sheep grazing, beekeeping, allotments and community gardens.

Because of its large size, Botley West will be classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), meaning that PVDP will have to apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO). This could happen by the end of next year, the company noted.

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