New solar farm is unveiled near Spetisbury in Dorset

Renewable energy firm Voltalia has opened its first of three solar farms in the south west – and its largest solar energy facility to date in the UK.

South Farm Solar Park, near Spetisbury, has been created following an agreement between Voltalia and the City of London Corporation.

Voltalia hosted an official inauguration event at the park on Friday, June 16, offering key stakeholders a first-hand look at the completed 130-acre site.

Policy lead for sustainability at the City of London Corporation, Keith Bottomley, said: “This scheme is a pioneering blueprint by the City Corporation for local authorities across the UK, cutting carbon emissions and giving cheaper, more secure energy, protected from the price volatility of energy markets.

“The deal will increase our green energy supply, has no reliance on taxpayer funding, and helps us transition quickly away from fossil fuels.”

Throughout its construction, Voltalia has invested more than £1m in local supplier partnerships – all based within 25 miles of the park. Its local supplier investment at South Farm Solar Park has totalled more than £4 million across the south west to date.

South Farm Solar Park, near Spetisbury in Dorset (Image: Voltalia)

Voltalia has also been actively involved in various local initiatives since works began.

The firm helped restore Spetisbury Primary School’s car park using its recycled construction materials and hosted an educational day at Spetisbury School.

Simon Holt, UK country manager at Voltalia, added: “We’ve worked closely with the solar park’s landowner from the outset.

“As a local resident and farmer, he’s part of four generations of family holding ownership of the site – so working collaboratively with him has been critical in maximising the park’s viability.

“Now the park is fully operational, we’ll continue engaging with our community.

“We’re excited to work together with the Dorset community at this site and our other two sites near Sherborne to create a more sustainable future for the UK.”

South Farm Solar Park has a total capacity of 49.9 megawatts – the equivalent of more than half of the City of London Corporation’s electricity needs.

Voltalia’s other UK solar photovoltaic farms are currently under development at Clifton Farm, near Sherborne, and Higher Stockbridge.