The advancement of renewable energy in South Dorset is making significant strides with the energisation of Stokeford Solar Farm and the completion of the Alaska Wind Farm. These initiatives mark a pivotal shift in Dorset’s energy landscape, promising to supply clean energy to thousands of homes while also contributing to ecological restoration and conservation efforts.
Stokeford Solar Farm Powering Dorset’s Green Future
Stokeford Solar Farm, an 20.8 MW solar development located near Stokeford Farm, approximately 15 km southwest of Bournemouth, received planning permission in February 2021.
This project was subsequently awarded a Contract for Difference (CFD) by the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, announced on July 11, 2022.
The Solar Farm is a cornerstone of the Stokeford Renewables Grid Connection project, which aims to enhance renewable energy distribution in Dorset.
The project has involved establishing a joint electricity grid connection that integrates renewable energy from both solar and wind sources at the Holme Estate in East Stoke. This energy feeds into the national grid via an SSE substation in Wareham. The initiative is the first of its kind in the county, setting a precedent for future renewable energy projects.
Infrastructure Development and Funding
In December 2021, Holme Mineral Processing Ltd secured a £1.8 million loan from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to finance essential grid connection and cable infrastructure works. This funding supported the construction of a new substation at the Stokeford Farm site and the installation of a 6 km high-capacity cable, connecting to the SSE substation in Wareham. The project was completed by December 2023, marking a significant milestone for renewable energy in Dorset.
Powersystems’ Role in the Project
Powersystems were awarded the contract on 4th May 2023, and undertook the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of the 6 km electrical infrastructure for the new grid connection to Stokeford Farm, to be adopted by SSE.
This included the client’s 33 kV switchgear and associated building.
The work involved extensive civil excavation, laying 33 kV Emtelle cable ducts and fibre ducts, and reinstatement along the route from Westminster Road in Wareham to Stokeford Farm. Directional drilling was carried out under the River Piddle and an ancient monument, as well as at multiple road crossings.
Powersystems also constructed the bases and foundations for both the SSE-approved and client substations. They supplied, installed, and commissioned Siemens NX Plus switchboards, completed with all necessary testing and protective equipment. This work ensured grid code compliance and included the installation of protective relays, a remote control panel, and a power quality monitor within the substation.
Furthermore, Powersystems conducted electrical design and grid compliance studies, and installed earthing systems at the substation, in line with BS7430 standards.
Impact on Local Energy Supply
Once fully operational, the renewable energy generated at the East Stoke site could supply up to 80% of Purbeck’s domestic electricity needs, benefiting communities across Wareham, Swanage, Bere Regis, and Corfe Castle. Cecilia Bufton, Chair of Dorset LEP, emphasised the importance of such grid connections in securing a greener future for Dorset’s residents and businesses.
Alaska Wind Farm: A Two-Decade Vision Realised
The 8 MW Alaska Wind Farm, featuring four 100-metre-tall wind turbines, represents the culmination of a 20-year vision by local landowner Will Bond. This project is poised to generate enough electricity to power around 20,000 homes in Purbeck, significantly contributing to the region’s renewable energy capacity.
Ecological Restoration
Beyond energy generation, the project includes a significant ecological restoration component. Thirteen hectares of grassland, equivalent to 20 international football pitches, will be converted back to traditional Purbeck heathland. This transformation aims to support a diverse range of rare mammals, reptiles, birds, and plants.
Will Bond emphasised the dual purpose of the project, saying, “The project was never solely about renewable energy; it is also about land restoration. Under the panels, we will have sheep grazing, and we can bring back a lot of local flora and fauna.”
Overcoming Challenges and Opposition
The path to completion was not without challenges. Initial plans proposed in 2004 faced significant opposition and were refused by Purbeck District Council in 2011. However, a subsequent public inquiry overturned this decision, and after a series of legal battles, the project was finally greenlit.
Reflecting on the project’s journey, Will Bond noted, “There hasn’t been a single protestor as the final phase of work has been carried out this autumn – in fact, a lot of local people who were opposed to the scheme early on have been asking me for years when it was going to be built as they felt it was taking too long.”
Looking Ahead
The successful implementation of the Stokeford Solar Farm and Alaska Wind Farm represents a significant milestone in Dorset’s transition to renewable energy. These projects not only contribute to the UK’s goals of achieving net-zero emissions but also promote ecological conservation and sustainable development in the region.
With guaranteed funding streams for the next 25 years, these initiatives provide a model for integrating renewable energy production with ecological restoration. Will Bond concluded, “We’ve got to do something about climate change – I’m in a position to enable this to happen, and I think I would be socially irresponsible if I didn’t.”
For more information on these projects and Dorset’s renewable energy initiatives, visit Dorset LEP’s Stokeford Renewable Grid Connection and stay updated on social media with #DorsetNetZero.
Biodiversity and Net Zero
The UK has committed to becoming Net Zero by 2050 and a target to decarbonise the electricity grid by 2035. This requires an extra 3GW of solar to be built each year. The Powering Up Britain (published in March 2023) sets an ambition to increase the use of solar fivefold by 2035, therefore renewable energy developments like the Stokeford Solar Farm are a key part of addressing the local and national climate emergency.
Stokeford Solar will enhance Biodiversity Net Gain as required by law. At Powersystems we work closely with our clients to design and implement solutions that go above and beyond our statutory requirements, and demonstrate our commitment to improving the environment around all our renewable energy developments.
Notes to Editors:
Contact Information:
- This article is written by Jules Daly, Marketing and Communications Manager at Powersystems.
- 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
Powersystems is a leading high voltage specialist electrical engineering company with over 47 years of experience. Renowned for its expertise and reliability, Powersystems has become a trusted provider of design, installation, and commissioning services for electrical infrastructure and grid connections across the UK.
As the first Lloyds National Electricity Registration Scheme accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP), Powersystems has been delivering contestable grid connections at voltages up to 132 kV for 27 years.
Since 2000, Powersystems has successfully connected over 6.1 gigawatts of renewable energy to the UK electricity grid. Our projects span many sectors from onshore and offshore wind, solar energy, tidal and hydroelectric power, electric vehicle infrastructure, as well as generation installations for short-term operating reserves (STOR), combined heat and power (CHP), grid stability initiatives such as rotating stabilisers, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and commercial industrial private wire networks.
In collaboration with partners, Powersystems has connected 30% of all onshore wind farms in the UK, contributing significantly to the nation’s renewable energy capacity to collectively work towards a sustainable future to help the UK achieve Net Zero by 2050.
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