Solar target would swallow less land than UK’s airports

Meeting the government’s target for a fivefold increase in solar generation by 2035 would require less new land than that currently covered by the UK’s airports, according to backers of solar power.

In written evidence, submitted by Solar Energy UK to the House of Commons environment audit committee, the trade body outlines figures designed to counter concerns that valuable agricultural land will be swallowed up in order to meet this increased generation.

During her short stint as prime minister, Liz Truss pledged to block the proliferation of solar “paraphernalia” on farmland.

In its evidence, Solar Energy UK says that around 230km2 is currently covered by solar panels, which is equivalent to 0.1% of the UK’s land mass.

It estimates an extra 464km2 would be needed to meet the government’s target, outlined in the British Energy Security Strategy last year, to increase solar generation from 14GW now to 70GW.

This would be equivalent to around 0.3% of the country’s total land and 0.5% of that currently used for farming.

It would also be “less than the area covered by airports”, according to Solar UK.

This figure is based on the assumption that ground-mounted arrays account for around two thirds of overall solar generation capacity by 2035, which is the same proportion as now.

The evidence also includes a calculation, based on figures in the BEIS (business, energy and industrial strategy) department’s database of renewable projects, that shows almost 400 solar projects are now awaiting construction start dates, having secured planning permission.

This “high” number is “largely symptomatic” of “chronic problems in accessing the grid”, Water UK’s submission states.

And the trade body uses its evidence to rebuff concerns that batteries, linked to solar farms, are prone to blazes.

It says that while the lithium-ion batteries used in storage systems present a “small fire risk” in certain circumstances they are the same technology used in millions of homes and devices across the world.

Solar Energy UK adds that the insurance industry is working with installers and asset managers to ensure that “appropriate” safety measures are incorporated on all solar farms. “This is a fast-evolving area and improved safety measures are installed, where appropriate, in light of experience,” it says, adding that alternative battery technologies are becoming available and are subject to ongoing research.