Overview
Bolsovermoor Quarry is a 4.998 MW solar PV facility in the United Kingdom, operated by Lightsource Renewable Energy. It contributes to the UK's renewable energy capacity under the Contracts for Difference scheme.
Bolsovermoor Quarry is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United Kingdom, with a capacity of 4.998 MW. Developed and operated by Lightsource Renewable Energy, a leading solar developer, the plant is operational and contributes to the country's growing solar energy portfolio. As a medium-scale solar installation, it supports the UK's transition to low-carbon electricity generation. The facility operates under the UK's regulatory framework, which includes the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewable Obligation (RO) for older projects. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductor panels, with no emissions during operation. The UK has seen significant solar deployment, particularly in England, driven by supportive policies and declining costs. Bolsovermoor Quarry's electricity is fed into the national grid, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The site, located on former quarry land, demonstrates the repurposing of industrial land for renewable energy. This project aligns with the UK's net-zero emissions target by 2050 and the global shift toward sustainable energy sources.
Environmental context
The facility is situated on a former quarry, which minimizes land-use conflicts and avoids agricultural or natural habitats. Solar PV installations have low visual impact in such industrial settings. The UK's temperate climate provides moderate solar irradiance, but the technology remains viable. The plant supports local biodiversity by allowing vegetation growth beneath panels, and its operation produces no air or water pollution.
Frequently asked questions
Bolsovermoor Quarry is located in the United Kingdom, near Bolsover, Derbyshire, at coordinates 53.2398 N, -1.2544 W.
The Bolsovermoor Quarry solar PV facility has a capacity of 4.998 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar installation.
The plant is owned and operated by Lightsource Renewable Energy, a major solar developer in the UK and globally.
The UK supports solar energy through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which provides stable revenue for low-carbon electricity, and the Renewable Obligation (RO) for older projects.
Solar PV generates clean electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The UK aims for net-zero by 2050, and solar capacity helps meet interim targets like 50 GW by 2030.