About Us
About The Farm Energy Company and Ardagh Group
The Proposal is a development by Ardagh Glass Packaging in partnership with The Farm Energy Company. Ardagh Glass Packaging is a subsidiary of Ardagh Group: https://www.ardaghgroup.com/corporate/sustainability
The Farm Energy Company is an independent specialist developer of renewable energy projects across the UK.
Ardagh Group is a global supplier of sustainable, infinitely recyclable metal and glass packaging for brand owners around the world.
Ardagh Group has committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and will transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
Sustainability Targets and Renewable Energy
Ardagh Group's renewable energy strategy consists of three project categories: on-site, near-site and off-site projects. On-site projects provide various sustainability benefits and are a key part of their strategy. But unfortunately, they don't have enough free and available space within the plant boundary to achieve 100% renewable energy with on-site projects alone. Therefore, the Knottingley near-site solar project is vital for the supply of clean, carbon-free renewable energy to the Knottingley facility at scale.
The project is one of numerous initiatives and projects to enable the sustainable future of glass manufacturing in the UK. Similar renewable energy projects are under development for other Ardagh Glass Packaging sites, including Barnsley.
Ardagh Group currently has 30 active renewable energy projects globally, with more projects planned in the future.
Approach to renewable electricity
A mix of on-site, near-site and off-site electricity generation.
Project Overview
We are currently preparing a planning application to be submitted to Selby District Council for a solar farm development which will deliver renewable energy to Ardagh Glass Knottingley, via a private wire connection.
The solar farm will be developed, owned and operated by The Farm Energy Company.
The site lies approximately 1.6km to the south east of the existing Ardagh Glass Packaging facility covering an area of approximately 38ha.
The site comprises a number of generally flat fields, delineated by existing hedgerows.
Site Location
Site Projections
Existing Photograph - View from Ban Wood Road.
Representative of road users and residential receptor
Proposed Illustrative Photomontage
Existing Photograph - View at junction of Leys Lane and Stubbs Lane. View representative of road users.
Proposed Illustrative Photomontage
Existing Photograph - View from public footpath over M62 motorway. View representative of public footpath users.
Proposed Illustrative Photomontage
Existing Photograph - View from Grove Hall Farm and Cottages. View representative of residential properties.
Proposed Illustrative Photomontage
The Solar Farm Development
The proposed solar farm development comprises the following elements:
- Solar PV modules mounted onto arrays
- Inverter/ transformer units
- Fencing and security measures
- Substation
- Access tracks
Project Benefits
- Supporting Ardagh Group's commitment to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030.
- Enhanced job security for Ardagh Glass Packaging's employees from substantial investment in the Knottingley facility.
- Stabilise energy costs over the lifetime of the project.
- Around 29% of the Knottingley site's electricity demand will be supplied by the solar scheme.
- Increased energy security and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
- Up to 49.9 MW of low carbon, renewable energy to offset electricity imported from the grid.
- Support national and local renewable energy targets.
- The project will result in a reduced carbon footprint of approximately 12,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum or 237,000 tonnes of CO2 for the duration of the 20 year PPA. This equates to a reduction in direct emissions of approximately 24,000 homes per annum.
Environmental and Technical Considerations
The project team is committed to minimising potential environmental impacts of the Proposal.
We have already undertaken a wide suite of ecological studies which have not identified any constraints i.e. no protected species will be impacted by the solar farm development.
The use of this arable farm land will enable a biodiversity net gain, including sewing of wildflowers to attract bees and improvement of hedgerows to provide 'green corridors'.
The Landscape and Visual Impact will be carefully assessed as part of any planning application. Mitigation measures will be incorporated to reduce potential impact including increased planting along boundaries as well as careful layout and design of the solar arrays.
It is recognised that solar farms have limited impact due to their low lying nature and minimal ground disturbance.
The infrastructure associated with the development, including inverter / transformer units and access tracks will cover less than 10% of the ground. The remainder of the land remains accessible for the growth of vegetation and sheep grazing, and can be utilised for biodiversity enhancements for the lifespan of the solar farm.
Technical experts have been appointed and a number of environmental and technical assessments will be undertaken to support any planning application following agreement with the local planning authority. This includes the following:
- Planning Statement
- Ecological Appraisal
- Landscape and Visual Assessment
- Cultural Heritage and Archaeological Assessment
- Flood Risk Assessment.
Next Steps
A Screening Opinion has already been received by Selby Council which has confirmed that an Environmental Impact Assessment will be required as part of the forthcoming planning application. The details of what is to be included in the Environmental Impact Assessment are currently being discussed with the Council.
Following completion of a Community Consultation event on 8th February 2023, the planning application is being finalised and is due to be submitted in early 2023.
Please send any feedback you may have on the proposals to:
knottingleysolar@farmenergy.co.uk
