Driving the shift towards a carbon-free future, Powersystems is thrilled to announce its recent contract award for the grid connection works at the Tolldish Hall Farm Solar project, managed by Innova.
Powersystems will assume the role of Principal Contractor for the construction phase of this solar initiative. The solar farm aims to generate renewable electricity. The project will connect at 33 kV to the National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) in Coventry and marks Powersystems’ second collaboration with Innova following the successful completion of the Stokeford Farm project.
Powersystems’ Scope of Work
The project involves supplying, installing, and testing a 33 kV cable from the National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) Point of Connection to the Distribution Network Operator’s (DNO) Point of Supply Substation, along a circuit route of approximately 1,700 meters. Powersystems will also install, test, and commission a two panel Siemens switchboard for NGED. Upon successful completion, NGED will adopt the substation and the 33 kV circuit route.
Powersystems will also be providing the 33 KV packaged substation for our the customer Innova, switchgear supplied by Ormazabal. The solar farm will operate without any on-site emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), during its operational phase.
About the Tolldish Hall Farm Solar Project
Located northeast of Aldermans Green, Coventry, the Tolldish Hall Farm Solar project spans 34 hectares of ground-mounted solar panels. The project received planning approval on 31 August 2023, with Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Councillors unanimously supporting the proposals. The solar farm is set to provide up to 25 MW of clean, renewable energy to the Nuneaton and Bedworth area.
The site was meticulously chosen and designed following a comprehensive assessment of grid availability, heritage, landscape and amenity, ecology and environmental designations, access, and agricultural land quality. In addition to generating green electricity, the project will enhance local biodiversity and improve soil conditions and fertility.
The design process has ensured the layout offers a buffer from adjacent land uses and potential site receptors while utilising mature screening to minimise visual impact. Further planting of hedgerows and woodland is planned to enhance site screening.
Specialist Environmental Surveys
To support the planning application and ensure the Tolldish Hall Solar Farm’s suitability, various specialist consultants have conducted detailed surveys. These include a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment to enhance existing screening and guide landscaping plans, and an Agricultural Land Quality assessment confirming the site’s soil as grade 3b, a top-tier agricultural classification. Cultural heritage and archaeological evaluations examined the potential for buried artifacts and nearby heritage connections. An ecological strategy aims to boost biodiversity by creating and enhancing habitats for local wildlife. The project seeks to exceed statutory Biodiversity Net Gain requirements with detailed calculations and management strategies. Additionally, a flood risk assessment was carried out to mitigate potential flooding risks, and noise modelling predicts low to negligible impacts during construction and operation, with mitigation measures available if needed.
Green Energy and Climate Change
The Tolldish Hall Farm Solar project is set to generate 25 MW of electricity, sufficient to power 7,091 homes. It will include on-site batteries to store energy produced during sunny periods, addressing surplus supply and demand imbalances. The UK’s commitment to becoming Net Zero by 2050 and decarbonising the electricity grid by 2035 necessitates an additional 3 GW of solar capacity annually. Renewable energy projects like Tolldish Hall Farm play a crucial role in addressing the climate emergency and advancing the transition to renewable energy.
Project Status
Construction is anticipated to commence in 2024, with commercial operation expected by 2025. The project will generate enough clean energy to power 7,091 households and offset 5,055 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
Notes to Editors:
Contact Information:
- This article is written by Jules Daly, Marketing and Communications Manager at Powersystems UK.
- Email jules.daly@powersystemsuk.com Telephone 01454 318000
- Photography Copyright please credit all images used to powersystemsuk.co.uk
Powersystems are powering the transition to a carbon free future
As a high voltage specialist electrical engineering company with over 47 years (1977-2024) experience Powersystems have grown by reputation to become a trusted force in the design, installation and commissioning of electrical infrastructure across the UK.
Celebrating 27 years as the first Lloyds National Electricity Registration Scheme ‘s accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP), Powersystems are capable of delivering contestable grid connections at voltages up to 132 kV.
Since 2000, Powersystems have connected over 6 Gigawatts of renewable energy generation to the UK electricity grid, along with decarbonisation technology which includes; wind energy projects, solar, anaerobic digestion, hydroelectric, electrical vehicle infrastructure, short term operating reserve STOR, combined heat and power (CHP), Grid stability projects like rotating stabilisers, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) as well as commercial industrial private wire networks.
Working with partners, delivering sustainable power solutions, proudly the Powersystems high voltage specialist team have connected 30% of all U.K. onshore wind farms.
At the core of the operation is a commitment to the highest values of health and safety, welfare, quality and the environment. Powersystems Integrated management systems are ISO accredited and their approach under their health and safety ‘Priority No.1’ brand is to aim for the best industry practice in all.
Powersystems UK Ltd. is an Employee-Owned Business and as such has a keen interest in the well-being of all its employees. They encourage and empower you to be imaginative, share great ideas and be involved in the success of the business.
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