The 140-acre Burcot Energy Park, located in South Oxfordshire, is a co-located solar photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. Once operational, the project will generate sufficient green energy to power approximately 18,000 homes annually. All necessary planning permissions have been secured, and Chint Solar will prepare the project for construction while serving as the EPC contractor. The project is expected to be connected to the grid in 2027. Burcot Energy Park is notably the first solar farm in England to be designated as grey belt development under the updated national planning policies.
To enhance biodiversity, the project will introduce a variety of new habitats, including grasslands, native woodlands, and hedgerows featuring a diverse mix of plant species. Additional measures will create nesting and foraging opportunities for birds, as well as refuge, breeding, and hibernation habitats for reptiles and amphibians. These initiatives are expected to deliver an overall biodiversity net gain (BNG) of 86.7% for the site.
Mark van Rij, Country Manager UK at Chint Solar, said that acquiring Burcot Energy Park highlights the company’s commitment to developing multi-technology assets in the United Kingdom that support a reliable and future-ready grid. He also thanked Ethical Power for their smooth collaboration and mutual trust during the acquisition process.
Stuart Whiteford, Chief Development Officer at Ethical Power, commented that the company is pleased to complete the transaction with a trusted partner like Chint Solar and looks forward to continued collaboration as the project progresses toward completion. He noted that the efficient planning and sale process reflects the quality of Ethical Power’s development expertise and the effectiveness of teamwork on both sides throughout the deal.
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