Under the ownership of Santander UK, construction of one of the UK's largest renewable energy solar power plants has begun at the site of former RAF Stradishall, the second world war airfield in Suffolk.

Once Broxted Solar Farm, covering a 150 acre site in south west Suffolk, has been completed by the end of 2013 it will be one of the UK's largest utility scale ground mounted solar projects, and will produce an installed capacity of 31.6MW - enough to provide electricity to 8,000 UK homes a year.

It will also generate clean renewable energy, producing 30,200 MWh per year, and will avoid the emission of 33,120 tonnes of carbon dioxide and 94,213 tonnes of nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere.

The scheme forms part of Santander's investment in the development and construction of renewable energy projects in the UK. Santander is a direct equity investor in the projects and operates a dedicated global renewable energy investment mandate encompassing wind and solar projects. The bank supports clean energy in the UK by providing much needed construction funding for these projects.

Santander took ownership of the project following its acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Broxted Solar Company Ltd from Lark Energy, the solar developer. Since Santander's acquisition construction has started, with Isolux Corsan as the construction contractor, working in close cooperation with the landowner Navigator Land LLP, its advisors Bidwells LLP, as well as the grid operator UK Power Networks.

Oliver Alexander, Executive Director, Santander Asset and Capital Structuring commented: "Santander is very pleased to have acquired and now started construction on the Broxted Solar Project. The Project is a leading example of how the environment and solar power can work together. It represents our second major investment in UK solar and is forming part of a wider portfolio of UK solar projects we are constructing over the next six months.''

Steve Bradley, Head of Major Connections at UK Power Networks, which owns and manages the electricity distribution networks for the East of England, London and the South-East, said: 'We are delighted to be involved with this innovative development. It will see a vital new renewable energy source integrated into an enhanced agricultural and rural environment.'

UK Power Networks had a high level of engagement with the developer to design a solution that suited both parties. That will continue for the next few months to ensure the installation is taking place as agreed.

Environmental considerations
Broxted Solar Farm is a groundbreaking development in terms of a major onshore renewable project. The solar farm is the core element in the wide ranging 'Integrated Strategy' which Navigator has created to regenerate the whole 500 acre Broxted Estate, encompassing all of the old airfield.

Navigator's 'Integrated Strategy' seeks to draw together some of the best features in contemporary rural life and business. These include sheep grazing within the solar farm, cattle grazing on some 150 acres of grass land immediately adjacent to the solar farm, some 130 acres of arable farming, 30 acres of agri environmental features including wild bird seed mixes to provide winter feeding.

There will be 60 acres of woodland, while ponds will be restored and created to provide water for wildlife. New hedgerows will be planted and existing ones enhanced. The local south west Suffolk community, including local schools, has been closely involved, and permissive footpaths will be created to provide access for public enjoyment.

Charles Ryder, Managing Partner, Navigator Land commented: "The Broxted Solar Farm sits within a well thought out secluded jigsaw rather than being a renewable project 'parachuted' into an area. Navigator, our advisor Bidwells, and Santander see this as a blueprint for future large scale renewable projects.

"The strong emphasis on the conservation and enhancement of flora and fauna will include the first systematic survey monitoring the impact of solar panels on birds and botany. This work is being carried out in conjunction with Suffolk Wildlife Trust which has been closely involved with Navigator in the Integrated Strategy for the whole of the Broxted Estate.

"Community involvement is also a strong theme. Among other things, this will involve school visits with education themes ranging from renewable energy to food production to wildlife and conservation. Navigator is also forming a 'brains trust' of local experts, including those on wildlife and history."