Shropshire council plans 3,000-panel solar farm to power Arla Foods plant in Oswestry

The project aims to generate electricity for the nearby Arla Foods packaging plant through a direct connection, with any surplus power being sold back to the national grid. The council will develop and manage the solar farm over a 25-year period. Arla Foods has agreed to purchase the electricity generated at a predetermined price under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), ensuring a secure and potentially lower-cost renewable energy source for the plant.

Shropshire Council describes the initiative as a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors, delivering mutual benefits while advancing regional renewable energy targets.

“The proposed 2MW solar farm offers financial benefits for the Council and Arla Foods, while contributing to the UK’s clean energy goals,” stated a supporting document. “The private wire connection ensures direct and efficient electricity supply to Arla Foods, with any surplus energy exported to the national grid. The Council’s full ownership and responsibility for the project ensures long-term commitment and robust oversight and management.”

The council anticipates that the solar farm will reduce carbon emissions from the packaging plant by approximately 418,559 kg annually, generating an estimated 2,000,000 kWh of power each year.

Arla Foods has already installed roof-mounted solar panels at the site, which generate around 800 kW at peak output. If approved, construction of the new solar farm is expected to take about five months.

The planning department of Shropshire Council will review the proposal and make a decision in due course.