Solar plant construction work is powering on

Work is well under way on a solar energy and battery storage project in Dinnington - which includes the creation of a wildflower meadow.

OnPath Energy’s Common Farm Solar Park near the Todwick Road Industrial Estate will produce enough power to light up 18,800 homes.

OnPath has brought in specialist engineering contractor Grupotec to work on the development which is scheduled to be completed by mid-2027.

Work so far has been on piling, cable trenching, access roads and fencing for the solar farm, and foundations and drainage have been put in place.

Grupotec will carry out operational maintenance and management work for the first two years after green electricity generation begins at the Common Farm Solar Park, which is OnPath Energy’s first co-located solar and battery technologies site.

OnPath’s ecology and biodiversity strategy says it will deliver a net benefit in biodiversity to the local community, with new species-rich grassland already planted across the site’s entire 116 hectares to create an extensive new wildflower meadow.

The operator will put £50,000 into supporting community projects in the area for the lifespan of the site.

The project’s 50MW battery storage facility will link into the Thurcroft sub-station, to the north of the site, to help make the energy grid more efficient.

Chris Gallagher, managing quantity surveyor at OnPath Energy, said: “Work at the Common Farm Solar Park site is progressing well, and we’re excited to reach this latest landmark in its development.

“This project will further enhance OnPath’s contribution by generating homegrown energy, reducing the UK’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthening the UK’s energy security while delivering a wide range of direct environmental, economic and community benefits to the local area.

“Grupotec’s technical expertise and renewables capability will be vital in the successful delivery of the scheme and we are very pleased to have them on board.”

More information on the Common Farm Solar Park can be found at www.onpathenergy.com/common-farm.