Kent’s Largest Proposed Solar Farm Aims to Power 140,000 Homes

A solar farm, the largest ever proposed for Kent, is projected by its developers to produce sufficient electricity for 140,000 residences, representing 20% of the county’s total. The energy company Low Carbon has unveiled its proposal for a 500 megawatt (MW) installation situated on Romney Marsh. This facility, named South Kent Energy Park, is envisioned to be constructed in the vicinity of Old Romney village, spanning both sides of the A259. Paul Thomas, a representative for the area on Folkestone and Hythe District Council, expressed a desire for “a bit more detail” regarding the proposals. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported that Thomas intends to participate in a public event to inquire with the developers about the continued suitability of the land for sheep grazing. He further questioned, “What impact is it going to have on agriculture and agricultural jobs across the Marsh?” Proposals for any solar farm exceeding 50MW in capacity are not subject to approval by the local council. Instead, these projects require a development consent order from the government, obtained through an extensive permission procedure. Although the plans have not yet been formally submitted, Low Carbon stated that the location, if developed, would rank among the largest solar farms in the United Kingdom. Company executives indicated that the installation, covering an an area comparable to 840 football pitches, would link to the National Grid either through an existing substation in Dungeness or a new substation planned for construction nearby. David Browne, representing the Canterbury-based solar company Convert Energy, commented that “it could take some time” for the new project to receive approval. He noted, “Kent has a chequered history with large-scale solar developments, with the Cleve Hill solar park in Graveney drawing massive local opposition.” Browne further stated that the proposed park’s location “made a lot of sense,” adding, “The existing infrastructure should be capable of handling the output of the solar park.” The company is currently accepting feedback on its proposal online until December 20. Additionally, it is organizing in-person events at Ivychurch Village Hall on November 26 and at New Romney Scout Hall on November 27. An online event is also scheduled for December 12.