Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) is looking to consult on a proposed solar farm, Paulton Solar, located on land south of Water Lane, Paulton.

PACE will be holding an exhibition on the 17th January 2024, at Paulton Village Hall, Farrington Road, Bristol BS39 7LW. The consultation will run from 2.30pm-6:30pm to allow the community to view the proposals, speak to members of the project team and provide feedback.

The project would have a maximum power output of 6.7MW of renewable energy – the equivalent of powering 3,432 homes a year and cutting 2,320 tonnes of carbon emissions a year. The battery element would provide storage for up to 49.5MW of electricity.

Alex Ross the director of Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) comments: “As well as contributing to the UK’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, we are also invested in increasing the biodiversity of the site and enabling the continuation of agriculture during operation. We hope that local people will be able to attend the event, view our plans and provide feedback ahead of us submitting a planning application to Bath and North East Somerset Council.”

Solar is a cost-effective form of energy generation in the UK, but it also has numerous benefits to energy consumers, the wider environment, and tackling climate change. Approving solar projects can help reduce energy bills, reduce carbon emissions, and increase local biodiversity. PACE hopes that solar energy will be able to play a big part in addressing rising energy bills.

The Journal asked Councillors for their views but had no response at the time of printing. What do you think of the proposed plans for a solar farm in Paulton?

Further information about the project is available at: www.paultonsolar.co.uk