Following the launch of the Byers Gill Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) proposal in October 2022, JBM Solar has now undertaken a series of workshops with stakeholders from local organisations on its early proposals.

The Byers Gill Solar Farm and BESS proposal is located between Darlington and Stockton-on-Tees. The solar farm would provide clean energy to the equivalent of over 70,000 UK homes, helping to tackle the cost of energy and climate crises we face in the UK.

The proposals would connect into the existing National Grid substation at Norton, on the outskirts of Stockton-on-Tees, with underground cables running from the solar farm to the substation. The project will have a lifespan of 40 years, after which the land will be returned to its former state. During its operation, the land can still be used for agricultural activities such as grazing.

The workshops provided representatives with the opportunity to scrutinise the plans; provide local knowledge of the area; input into aspects of the design, such as improvements to Public Rights of Way; ideas to reduce potential visual and landscape impacts of the project, and potential routes for construction access. JBM Solar and stakeholders also explored how we can provide benefits to the local community and environment.

Wider consultation with the public, where more detailed information will be shown, is planned for Spring 2023.

Michael Baker, Project Manager for JBM said: “We would like to thank all stakeholders who took time to attend our workshops and provide us with feedback on the project at this early stage. Their local knowledge and suggestions will help us to refine our design before we present our proposals to the wider public next year.”

 You can find out more by visiting the project website at byersgillsolarfarm.co.uk, and contact the project team by email: enquiries@byersgillsolar.com or phone 0800 1970118.

Byers Gill Solar is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, or NSIP, as it will generate 180MW of electricity for the national grid. This means that JBM Solar is required to submit an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to the Planning Inspectorate to seek planning permission.

The application is expected to be submitted in Autumn 2023, with a final decision made in early 2025.