Overview
Aspatria is a 19 MW solar PV facility in the United Kingdom, owned by United Photovoltaics. It contributes to the UK's renewable energy capacity under the Contracts for Difference scheme.
Aspatria is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United Kingdom, with a capacity of 19 megawatts (MW). Owned by United Photovoltaics, the plant is operational and contributes to the country's growing solar energy portfolio. This scale places it as a medium-sized solar installation within the UK's renewable energy landscape. The facility operates under the UK's regulatory framework, which includes the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme that provides stable revenue for low-carbon electricity generation. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, and the UK has seen significant deployment of such plants to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2050. The plant's capacity of 19 MW is typical for ground-mounted solar farms in the region. Environmentally, Aspatria supports the UK's transition to a low-carbon energy system by displacing fossil fuel-based generation. Solar farms like this one have a low operational carbon footprint and contribute to grid decarbonization. The plant also aligns with the UK's Renewable Energy Directive targets, though local land-use considerations are managed through planning permissions.
Environmental context
Solar PV facilities like Aspatria have a low environmental impact during operation, with no emissions or water use. However, they require land area for panel installation, which can affect local habitats and visual landscapes. In the UK, such developments are subject to environmental assessments to minimize ecological disruption, including measures to protect biodiversity and integrate with agricultural uses.
Frequently asked questions
Aspatria is located in the United Kingdom, with coordinates approximately 54.7780 N, -3.3241 W.
The Aspatria solar PV facility has a capacity of 19 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-sized solar installation in the UK.
The Aspatria solar PV facility is owned by United Photovoltaics.
The UK supports solar energy through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which provides price stability for low-carbon electricity, and through the Renewable Obligation (now closed to new entrants). The UK also targets net-zero emissions by 2050.
Solar PV plants generate electricity without greenhouse gas emissions during operation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. They also have low water usage and can be integrated with agricultural land through agrivoltaics.