Overview
Parham Airfield (Great Glenham) is a 17.5 MW solar PV facility in Suffolk, United Kingdom, operated by AG Renewables Ltd. It contributes to the UK's renewable energy capacity.
Parham Airfield (Great Glenham) is a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility located in Suffolk, United Kingdom. With a capacity of 17.5 MW, it is a medium-scale solar installation that supports the country's transition to renewable energy. The facility is owned and operated by AG Renewables Ltd and is currently operational. The UK has a strong regulatory framework for renewable energy, including the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewable Obligation (RO) mechanism, which have driven significant solar PV deployment. Solar farms like Parham Airfield benefit from these policies, which provide revenue stability and encourage investment in clean energy. The facility uses standard solar PV technology, converting sunlight directly into electricity for the grid. Environmentally, the facility helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by displacing fossil fuel-based generation. Solar PV has a low operational carbon footprint and minimal water use. However, land-use impacts are a consideration, as the facility occupies former airfield land. Proper siting and management can mitigate visual and ecological effects, supporting biodiversity alongside energy generation.
Environmental context
The facility is located on a former airfield in rural Suffolk, an area with mixed agricultural and natural landscapes. Solar PV installations like this one can have land-use impacts, including habitat alteration and visual intrusion. However, they also offer opportunities for dual land use, such as grazing or biodiversity enhancement. The UK's temperate climate provides moderate solar irradiance, making ground-mounted solar viable. Proper site management can minimize ecological disruption and support local wildlife.
Frequently asked questions
Parham Airfield (Great Glenham) is a solar PV facility located in Suffolk, United Kingdom, near the village of Great Glenham.
The facility has a capacity of 17.5 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale solar installation.
The facility is owned and operated by AG Renewables Ltd.
The UK supports solar PV through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme and the Renewable Obligation (RO), which provide price guarantees and incentives for renewable electricity generation.
Solar PV generates electricity with zero emissions during operation, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It has low water use and can be sited on previously developed land, like airfields, minimizing land-use conflicts.