Equans has been appointed by Wokingham Borough Council to design and build the 30MWp Barkham solar farm in Berkshire, with construction expected to begin this month.
The company said the project will comprise 41,000 solar panels and take approximately 18 months to construct, with full grid connectivity expected in 2029.
Wokingham Borough Council added that the development is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to power around 9,400 homes and provide more than £1 million annually in income to support council services.
The solar farm will connect to the National Grid at 33kV and forms part of the council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and ambition to become a carbon-neutral borough.
The council estimates that the project could save 5,914 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year.
The wider development includes 2.66 hectares of new woodland, meadow grassland, hedgerows and additional tree planting to enhance biodiversity and capture carbon.
A new greenway through the site will also improve walking and cycling connections in the local area.
Equans UK & Ireland energy solutions director Gregory Allouis said: “This project represents an important step in delivering sustainable energy infrastructure that supports the UK’s transition to a low carbon future.
“We have extensive expertise in the design and delivery of solar farms and this project will generate more low-carbon electricity locally, enhance biodiversity and provide lasting value for the borough.”
Wokingham Borough Council executive member for finance and governance Imogen Shepherd-DuBey said: “We know residents expect us to tackle climate change while also protecting the services they rely on, and this project helps us do both.
“Once operational, the solar farm will generate enough renewable electricity to power around 9,400 homes and provide more than £1 million a year in income to help support essential council services at a time of significant financial pressure.
“We’re pleased to be moving into the construction phase and look forward to seeing the project take shape over the coming months.”
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