Member Article

Great North Road Solar Park could generate £1m-a-year in community funding for Newark

Around £1m-a-year in funding could be made available to local community projects as part of the proposed Great North Road (GNR) Solar Park. The proposed GNR scheme located in Newark is at the early engagement stage. It could ultimately power as many as 400,000 homes whilst helping the UK’s march towards energy independence. Ahead of the launch of the GNR community consultation in January / February 2024, residents are being encouraged to enquire about potential grant funding via an associated scheme called NG+. The aim of NG+ is to acknowledge that the area would potentially host the GNR Solar Park, meaning there should be tangible benefits to the local community. Mark Noone, Project Director for GNR Solar Park said: “The GNR Solar Park could create enough clean and affordable energy to power every home in Nottinghamshire, and that isn’t the only benefit this proposed development could bring. “While plans for the site are still in the early stages, the associated NG+ scheme could provide around £1m-a-year for projects designed to support the local community. “The scheme would deliver projects that focus on vital issues like the environment, education, food security, wellbeing and energy efficiency. “We would love to hear from local charities about existing programmes or schemes that may benefit from being involved in NG+. Ideally, grants from NG+ would make our green spaces even more welcoming, sponsor food waste initiatives and support renewable energy education (for example including apprenticeships) to provide a brighter future for the Newark area.” The fund could also include grants for renewable energy technologies / energy efficiency for both households and businesses. Those behind NG+ are keen to identify local suppliers and manufacturers, who could support the supply and installation of such measures. Plans for the GNR Solar Park are still in the early stages, with early engagement with local communities underway. If the GNR Solar Park is developed, it is forecast to generate around 800 megawatts (MW) of electricity and would dramatically offset Newark’s carbon footprint by avoiding around 250,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. The site would also play a key role in aiding the UK Government’s target of a five-fold increase in solar capacity by 2035, to meet the legally binding goal of eliminating carbon emissions by 2050. Crucially, this greener energy would help lower customer bills across Newark, which is currently a major issue for many people. The NG+ scheme will formally launch in March 2024, although engagement with interested parties is already underway. Mark added: “We can’t wait to hear about your initiatives and how this funding could help you.”

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