Overview
MOD Lyneham is a 69.8 MW solar PV facility in the United Kingdom, operated by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation. It supports the UK's renewable energy targets under the Renewable Energy Directive III.
MOD Lyneham is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in the United Kingdom, with a capacity of 69.8 MW. The plant is owned and operated by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, contributing to the UK's renewable energy portfolio. As a large-scale solar installation, it plays a significant role in the country's transition to low-carbon energy sources. The facility operates under the UK's regulatory framework, which aligns with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III (2023/2413), targeting 42.5% renewable energy by 2030. The UK also supports solar PV through Contracts for Difference (CfD) auctions and the Renewables Obligation scheme. With a capacity of 69.8 MW, MOD Lyneham falls into the large-scale category for solar farms, typical of ground-mounted installations in the region. Environmentally, the solar farm contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel generation. The site's location on former Ministry of Defence land minimizes land-use conflicts, and the facility is designed to integrate with the national grid. Solar PV has low operational emissions and supports the UK's net-zero goals by 2050.
Environmental context
The facility is situated on a former airfield in Wiltshire, England, an area with moderate solar irradiation. Solar PV installations like MOD Lyneham have minimal visual impact when sited on previously developed land. The project avoids sensitive habitats and contributes to biodiversity through grassland management beneath panels. Grid integration is supported by the UK's robust transmission network.
Frequently asked questions
MOD Lyneham is located in Wiltshire, United Kingdom, on the site of the former RAF Lyneham airbase.
MOD Lyneham has a capacity of 69.8 megawatts (MW), making it one of the larger solar PV installations in the UK.
The facility is owned and operated by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation, part of the UK Ministry of Defence.
The UK supports solar PV through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewables Obligation, aligning with the EU Renewable Energy Directive III target of 42.5% renewable energy by 2030.
By generating clean electricity from solar power, MOD Lyneham helps reduce carbon emissions and supports the UK's target of net-zero emissions by 2050.