By zhanqun1 
EAST YORKSHIRE, UK – January 21, 2025 – Renewable energy company Orsted has revealed plans to develop the Kingfisher Solar Farm, a large-scale project designed to power up to 100,000 homes with clean energy. Located three miles north of Beverley, the proposed farm would have a capacity of 320 megawatts and could operate for up to 60 years.
Project Highlights
The solar farm, east of the A164, will feed electricity into the grid from the end of 2030 if the go-ahead is agreed. Programme manager for Kingfisher at Orsted, Randall Linfoot, also stressed how that will be supporting the UK in hitting its target for reducing carbon emissions by 2050.
“Kingfisher Solar Farm will provide green energy for around 100,000 British households, contributing significantly to the country’s ambitious climate goals,” Linfoot said. He also outlined plans for community benefits, including wildlife habitat enhancements and a dedicated community benefit fund.
Community Concerns
While the project has the potential to boost renewable energy and benefit local communities, it has also sparked opposition from some residents and campaign groups. George McManus, a representative of the Fields of Glass campaign, voiced concerns about the scale of the development.
“These are massive swathes of land being taken over for solar farms, which will significantly impact the character of East Riding,” McManus said. He argued that smaller, distributed solar projects could be a more sustainable alternative to large-scale developments.
The development will likely displace tenant farmers leasing land from the Dalton Estate where the solar farm is to be set up. It has been reported that at least eight farms have been informed of the plans, adding to tensions surrounding the proposal.
Consultation Events
Orsted is inviting local residents to participate in public consultations to share their views on the project. Events will be held across February and March at venues including Lockington Village Hall, Hutton Cranswick WI Hall, Cottingham Civic Hall, and Beverley Memorial Hall.
“We look forward to engaging with the community and ensuring their voices are heard,” Linfoot added.
Broader Implications
This project is the latest in a series of large-scale solar developments proposed in East Yorkshire, reflecting the UK government’s commitment to expanding solar energy. While solar technology plays a crucial role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and creating green jobs, concerns persist about its impact on farmland, biodiversity, and the rural landscape.
Environment correspondent Paul Murphy said many of these massive schemes are actually decided by ministers in Whitehall, not local councils, which has added to the frustration of those communities affected.
As consultations start, the Kingfisher Solar Farm proposal represents the increasing tension between the imperative for renewable energy and the need to preserve the character of rural England.