Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE), a UK-headquartered international developer of utility scale solar and battery storage projects, has obtained approval for Tophams 50 MWp solar farm in the UK.  The scheme which is located in North Hertfordshire 13 miles north-east of Stevenage will also include energy storage of up to 8MW.

The solar farm in Hertfordshire will cover approximately 60 hectares, and will generate enough energy to power over 17,000 homes. The project will also include energy storage so that the project can provide additional services to the grid and improve the flexibility and control of the energy it creates.

Rob Denman, Managing Director of Pathfinder Clean Energy said: “Bringing viable clean energy projects through the permitting system in the UK and in the other markets where we are active is not a quick process and we have been working with planning officers, specialist consultees and the community to create the best possible scheme for over two years. We have worked hard to sensitively balance local requirements, benefits and the national need.  

“Our renewable energy projects form part of the effort to combat climate change, and they are a low cost and low impact way to help power the countries in which we operate. The Tophams project, alongside our other schemes, will bring our pipeline of UK solar projects to over 300MW in late stage development or ready to construct, and these should enter operation within the next 1-2 years.  Where possible, many of these projects will be co-located with energy storage to provide the flexibility that the energy system requires.”