Large Solar Farms — [Sir Charles Walker in the Chair]

Alan Whitehead stressed the necessity of solar farms for meeting renewable energy targets, citing the success of solar installations in the UK and the need to install them on a large scale. He acknowledged concerns about siting but argued that community consultation is crucial and that a strategic approach should be taken to ensure proper placement. He also mentioned that the environmental benefits of solar outweigh any negatives and that public support is essential.

Ms. Kearns expressed concerns about the imposition of a large solar farm in Rutland, which she described as an 'egregious, cynical and unacceptable proposal.' She highlighted that the proposed 2,175-acre project is eight times larger than the current largest solar plant in the country and questioned the fairness of the NSI projects. Ms. Kearns also raised concerns about Uyghur blood labour, stating that Canadian Solar, a company with significant ties to China's GCL-Poly which has been linked to forced labor in Xinjiang, is seeking to build in Rutland. Alicia Kearns intervened, raising concerns about the ethical sourcing of solar panels produced in China's genocidal camps targeting Uyghurs.

Concerned about the proposal of a large solar farm in his constituency that would cover an area equivalent to 4,000 football pitches. Feels that bypassing local planning processes is unfair and desires for local people's views to be heard and enforced. Stressed the importance of preserving agricultural land given rising wheat prices and potential food supply constraints globally.

The MP thanked his colleague for raising the debate, highlighting the need to balance renewable energy development with preserving local ecology and agriculture. He expressed concern over the Mallard Pass solar farm project, which covers 2,170 acres of land in Lincolnshire, noting that developer responses to local concerns have been unconvincing. Davies suggested that the Planning Inspectorate needs to fully consider residents' concerns and called for a national strategy to address both nationally significant and locally approved solar farms.

He opposed plans for large solar farms in his constituency, arguing they would dominate rural villages, alter their character, and have a considerable impact on the environment and wildlife. He cited specific examples of objections to proposed solar farm developments in Little Horwood, Kingsey, Callie's Farm, Ford and Dinton, Leckhampstead, and Slapton.

Solar farms are not efficient land use and pose environmental risks. He cited the Sunnica project as an example, highlighting that it would occupy 11 sq km of arable land for less than one seventh of its rated power output. He also raised concerns about human rights abuses in the solar supply chain from China.

Jim Shannon highlighted the potential of solar energy in advancing a low-carbon future, noting the impact of the Russian invasion on fuel provisions. He mentioned local examples such as Carrowdore farm and Belfast International airport to illustrate the benefits of solar power. Shannon expressed concerns about risk assessments for solar farms and the use of agricultural land, emphasising the importance of sustainable energy planning.

Argues that energy production should be closer to its consumption point to minimise transmission costs, suggesting solar farms on agricultural land are not ideal. Also emphasises the importance of beauty in planning processes. He argued that renewable energy should be placed as close to demand areas as possible, such as on commercial and domestic buildings rather than in fields. He emphasized the importance of protecting grade 1 and 2 agricultural land from large-scale solar parks and called for a Conservative Government to preserve the aesthetic character of rural settlements. Discussed the environmental cost of renewables, including wind turbines and solar panels, suggesting that their impact should be measured against specific criteria.

Kevin Hollinrake questioned whether local authorities declaring a climate emergency should override the need to avoid developing solar farms on best and most versatile land.

Congratulates the hon. Gentleman for securing the debate, highlighting that many large solar farms are being built without an environmental impact assessment due to the planning framework's current structure.

The hon. Member drew attention to the Sunnica scheme in his constituency, noting that it includes a battery farm rather than solely a solar farm. I support solar energy but oppose the proposal for a 2,500-acre solar farm affecting 16 parishes in east Cambridgeshire and West Suffolk due to lack of independent carbon assessment, battery safety issues, and minimal public engagement. There have been 38 fires at battery energy storage systems globally since 2019. Suggested that public engagement is critical for the development of solar farms, especially given the size disparity between battery farms and solar power capacity in certain proposals. Matthew Hancock intervened to ask the Minister for transparency regarding past fires at solar installations and highlighted the support from the Financial Secretary to the Treasury for the Sunnica plant issues.

The MP emphasized the importance of food security, expressing concern about large solar farms taking over agricultural land needed for food production. He proposed revisiting feed-in tariffs for homeowners to encourage more individual installations of solar panels on houses and industrial buildings rather than on farmland. Parish stressed that communities should be involved in decisions regarding new solar farm proposals.

I support renewable energy but am concerned about the proposed 77-acre solar farm off Dolly Lane near Buxworth and Furness Vale. The site is within the green belt adjacent to the Peak District national park, changing the iconic landscape for miles around and affecting local wildlife.

He welcomed the move to utilise brownfield sites instead of green fields for renewable energy development. He also mentioned scepticism about soil quality assessments and the need for local food production.

Acknowledged the importance of solar panels in Scotland's energy mix, noting that while they do not require direct sunlight, other renewable sources such as tidal and wind are crucial. Highlighted that Aberdeen had met 136% of household electricity demand from solar during a summer heatwave. Emphasised the need for community engagement and appropriate location selection for solar farms, such as on former tips.

Discusses Ynys Môn's role as an energy island and asks about the local job creation potential from solar energy projects.

Solar farms are crucial for achieving net zero and reducing reliance on oil and gas. The cost of solar panels has dropped by 60% since 2010, making it an affordable energy source in the UK. Solar provided almost 5% of the UK's total electricity supply in 2021 and could meet 15% of power needs with further investment. Studies indicate that solar farms can boost biodiversity and land quality. Community support for solar projects grows over time as people see their benefits. However, grid capacity constraints are a significant issue blocking potential investments. Asked Stephen Flynn about improving community engagement in renewable energy installations.