Once completed, Sunnica Energy Farm, near Chippenham in East Cambridgeshire, will be one of the UK’s largest solar power sites, generating up to 500MW.
The project is a joint venture partnership between Tribus Clean Energy and PS Renewables and, because of its size, is recognised as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). There were 150 NSIPs in England and Wales at various stages of development in early 2024. Each NSIP requires a form of planning permission called a Development Consent Order, or ‘DCO’.
Construction is currently planned for 2025.
Local impact
Throughout the design and consultation process, we’ve aimed to minimise the effect that Sunnica Energy Farm will have on the countryside and the local community. We have sought to reduce potential impacts, including the visual effects on the landscape, through measures that include 208 hectares of grassland planting, 26 hectares of woodland planting, and new hedgerow planting or infilling that covers more than 7km.
Less than 4% of the land in our proposals is classed as ‘Best and Most Versatile’. More than 96% of the site is on lower grade agricultural land. Even better, there is no permanent loss of farmland. The land used for solar generation will be restored to farmland at the end of Sunnica Energy Farm’s anticipated 40-year lifespan.
Public rights of way within, and close to, the Scheme will remain unchanged throughout the site’s working life. We are also proposing three new permissive routes that would increase public access to the land.
The Scheme will make an important contribution to the three national energy policy aims
- Net zero and the importance of urgently deploying low-carbon generation assets at scale
- Security of supply (geographically and technologically diverse supplies)
- Affordability and reducing exposure to volatile international markets
< 4%
of the developable area classifies as BMV land
208 Ha
of grassland planting
< 4%
of the developable area classifies as BMV land
208 Ha
of grassland planting
Key features at a glance
Three solar PV sites with co-located battery storage.
Extends and connects woodland and hedgerows, with a net increase in biodiversity.
No closures to public rights of way.
Up to 500MW of renewable electricity.
Biodiversity net gain of 83% habitat units, 16% hedgerow units and 1% river units.
Minimised effect on residential properties, with landscaping to mitigate any identified visual impact.
