Conrad Energy have energised their landmark solar farm at Larport. The Herefordshire solar farm is expected to produce 40,000MWh of renewable electricity each year, the equivalent of powering 11,000 homes.

Conrad Energy celebrated this milestone with their partners from BNP Paribas, Ethical Power and representatives of the local community at a ceremony on site on Thursday 6th June.

Steven Hardman, CEO of Conrad Energy, commented: 
“The switching on of Larport Solar Farm is an important moment for both Conrad Energy and BNP Paribas. We have found in the bank a company that shares our commitment to help the UK realise its net-zero ambitions. Solar has a significant role to play in the energy transition and so I look forward to seeing further projects switch on in the future.”

BNP Paribas, a founding member of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, will use the energy generated to decarbonise its UK operations, with the farm projected to save around 375,000 tonnes of carbon energy over the course of its 40-year lifecycle.

Emmanuelle Bury, UK Country Head, BNP Paribas, added that: 
“BNP Paribas is already known as the bank helping to finance the energy transition, and our agreement with Conrad Energy demonstrates our commitment to living our values. It is a vital step on the path to net zero banking.”

One of Conrad Energy’s key beliefs is the power of partnership. Larport solar farm has been a wonderful example of this in action. The community suggested that the site be used for a solar farm, the design was developed in consultation with them, and the final proposal was described as an ‘exemplar’ by the Chair of Herefordshire Planning and Regulatory Committee. Conrad Energy has been proud to reciprocate the community’s support through improvements to two local establishments. Mordiford Church of England Primary School has benefitted from a safeguarding upgrade and roof top solar panels, which will help reduce energy costs through the provision of their own renewable energy. The Royal National College for the Blind has a new sensory garden and have made upgrades to their working garden with support from the Conrad Energy Community Fund.

Sited on a flood plain, the land was unsuitable for arable use. The biodiversity net gain of the site is estimated to be well over 100%, with flora and fauna finding a haven within which to flourish. Existing hedgerows have been infilled, ten rare native black poplars have been planted and 40 hectares of native wildflower grassland have been created using a specially curated wildflower seed mix. We’ll shortly be installing several hibernacula along with bat and bird boxes to support the flourishing wildlife population.

Larport Solar Farm is the latest in a growing pipeline of projects to start producing energy, with Conrad Energy already hosting 950MW of potential energy generation and battery storage across 85 sites.