About
Statera Energy was founded in 2015 - we are a fully integrated developer, owner and operator of flexible and renewable infrastructure in the UK.
Our Vision
As we continue the transition towards a low carbon economy, renewable energy is ever more prominent as the lowest cost form of energy generation for consumers. At the same time, renewable energy is helping to ensure security of electricity supply for the United Kingdom while providing a cleaner, greener outlook for future generations.
Strategically positioned large scale solar schemes are essential for the country to reach its ‘Net Zero’ target by 2050.
The Development
The scheme would provide up to 49.99MW of clean renewable electricity making a valuable contribution to the generation of electricity at a local level. The scheme would add to Uttlesford District Council’s progress in meeting its renewable energy target and would also assist in meeting national targets for both energy supply and low carbon energy development. Statera is seeking planning permission to develop a 49.99MW ground mounted photovoltaic solar farm on arable land adjacent to the existing National Grid substation. The solar farm will span across several agricultural fields, covering approximately 72 hectares.
The proposed development involves the following:
- Installation of approximately 100,368 photovoltaic solar panels mounted on tables which will have a front edge at around 0.9m above ground and the rear edge 2.5m (a twenty-degree slope). Rows will run west to east, following the existing contours of the ground with the panels facing south. Spacing between rows will vary between 7.9m and 9.8m, depending on topography.
- Ten inverter units distributed among the panels and accessed via a combination of existing and proposed farm.
- A small substation protected with a palisade fence will be built in the southwest corner, adjacent to the battery storage facility. It will be accessed via the internal track network from the main access to the solar farm on Ginns Road.
- Deer fencing around each field to exclude large mammals and humans from the facility. Gates to allow the passage of small mammals such as badgers and foxes will be provided at intervals along the fence.
- Existing footpaths will be retained along their same routes, typically within corridors 10 – 15 m wide between existing hedge lines and the proposed deer fence. A hedge will be planted in front of the deer fence to reduce the visual impact of the solar farm, reducing the corridor by 3m (allowing for growth of the hedge).
- No trees or hedges will need to be removed to build the solar farm.
- The development will benefit local biodiversity. Rich wild-flower meadows will be planted around the margins and along footpaths, whilst a short solar grass mix will grow between the panels, providing excellent habitat for local wildlife. Additionally, due to the slight north facing slope, the panels will be spaced further apart than at a typical solar farm, which provides a sheltered location for Skylark nesting. If practical, sheep grazing and bee keeping will be allowed within the site.
In 2018 Statera Energy completed the construction of Pelham Storage a 49.99MW battery storage facility adjacent to the substation, located in the southwest corner of the proposed solar farm site. Pelham Solar and Pelham Storage will work simultaneously to support the resilience of the grid and the country’s target to Net Zero.
