Overview
Hardingham Solar Farm - extension is a 5.2 MW solar PV facility in the United Kingdom, operated by Solar Century/Bluefield Solar. It contributes to the UK's renewable energy capacity under the Contracts for Difference scheme.
Hardingham Solar Farm - extension is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United Kingdom, with a capacity of 5.2 megawatts (MW). The plant is owned by Solar Century and Bluefield Solar, and it is currently operational. This extension adds to the existing Hardingham Solar Farm, enhancing the region's solar generation capacity. The facility operates under the UK's regulatory framework for renewable energy, which includes the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewable Obligation (RO) program. Solar PV technology converts sunlight directly into electricity, and this plant is typical of medium-scale solar installations in the UK. The UK has seen significant growth in solar capacity, supported by government policies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The environmental significance of Hardingham Solar Farm - extension lies in its contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based electricity generation. Solar farms like this one also support grid stability and help the UK meet its renewable energy targets. The facility's location in Norfolk benefits from moderate solar irradiance, and the land use is compatible with agricultural activities in the area.
Environmental context
Solar PV installations like Hardingham Solar Farm - extension occupy land that could otherwise be used for agriculture, but they can be integrated with grazing or biodiversity measures. The UK's solar farms are often sited on low-grade agricultural land, minimizing land-use conflict. Solar energy generation produces no direct emissions, supporting the UK's climate goals under the Paris Agreement.
Frequently asked questions
Hardingham Solar Farm - extension is located in the United Kingdom, near the village of Hardingham in Norfolk. The facility is situated on land used for solar energy generation.
The facility has a capacity of 5.2 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar PV installation. It generates enough electricity to power approximately 1,500 homes annually.
The facility is owned by Solar Century and Bluefield Solar, two companies active in the UK renewable energy sector. The plant is operational.
The UK supports solar energy through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which provides price stability for renewable generators, and the Renewable Obligation (RO) program. These policies have driven significant solar capacity growth.
The facility generates clean electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Solar farms also support biodiversity through habitat management and can be combined with agricultural land use.