Yorkshire Water seeks to build a solar farm to reduce energy reliance
- Yorkshire Water has proposed the construction of a solar farm at Thornton Steward Reservoir to offset energy consumption at its waste treatment works.
- The project plans to install 3,000 solar panels, aiming to produce enough energy to cover 89% of the power used at the facility.
- Community feedback is being sought during the planning process to ensure local opinions are considered before any decisions are made.
In the United Kingdom, Yorkshire Water has initiated a proposal to create a solar farm at the Thornton Steward Reservoir, situated between Leyburn and Bedale. This project involves the installation of approximately 3,000 solar panels over a 12-hectare plot owned by Yorkshire Water, with a planned capacity of 1.2 megawatts. The primary objective of this solar farm is to generate enough renewable energy to supply around 89% of the electricity demand for the associated waste treatment works located at the reservoir. As part of the regulatory process, the water company has submitted a screening request to the North Yorkshire Council to ascertain whether this development necessitates an environmental impact assessment, a step that reflects adherence to planning protocols and community engagement. Councillor Tom Jones, representing the Scotton and Lower Wensleydale division, has encouraged local residents to share their opinions regarding the solar farm proposal. He emphasizes the importance of community input in the planning process, stating that this is a valuable opportunity for residents to voice their thoughts and concerns about the initiative. Such engagement could shape the direction of the project and ensure that the needs and views of the community are considered before final decisions are made by local authorities. If the solar farm is approved, it will be positioned less than a mile from the villages of Thornton Steward and Finghall. The reservoir itself receives its water from the River Ure and serves thousands of households in the surrounding areas, including Thirsk and Northallerton. The temporary nature of the installation allows for the possibility of reverting the land back to its original use after a cycle of up to 25 years. Yorkshire Water has highlighted the potential environmental benefits of this process, including giving the soil a natural break from cyclical farming, which could enhance long-term farming prospects in the region. The project is also a crucial component of the utility’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions and increasing resilience by reducing dependence on the national electricity grid. As energy requirements continue to rise, projects like the proposed solar farm are pertinent, reflecting a growing shift within the water industry toward sustainable practices and renewable energy sources. Such initiatives not only help mitigate the carbon footprint of water management systems but also foster greater autonomy from external energy supplies, thereby guaranteeing more reliable operations. The outcomes of community discussions and council reviews will ultimately determine the feasibility and future status of the Thornton Steward Reservoir solar farm initiative.