About Larport Solar Farm
Larport Solar Farm is a 45MW project in Herefordshire, UK. It was the first solar PV project developed by Conrad Energy. Ethical Power was selected as the principal contractor to deliver the full wrap EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) services.
The output from the solar farm will be supplied under a 15 year cPPA (Corporate Power Purchase Agreement) deal to BNP Paribas as part of their sustainability strategy to self-supply with renewable energy.
The site spans 120 acres with a proportion dedicated to biodiversity enhancements, including bird and bat boxes, badger gates and new wildflower meadows.
Proposed design
Project timeline
The ground-breaking ceremony
The construction began with a ground-breaking ceremony held in June 2023 and attended by Conrad Energy, Ethical Power and BNPP.
Community engagement
The project was developed in consultation with the local parish council and the local community.
Conrad Energy and Ethical Power continue to involve the local residents and stakeholders with various stages of the project.
Representatives of Ethical Power and Conrad Energy attended a local school event to talk about Larport Solar Farm and how it will benefit the future generations at the local school’s anniversary event.
Sustainability at Larport Solar Farm
A biodiversity net gain is imperative to the success of this project.
Conrad Energy introduced significant land enhancement plans into their development, including:
- Introducing bat and bird boxes around the site.
- Planting and maintaining approximately 8km of new native hedgerow species such as hawthorn, hazel, blackthorn and field maple.
- Planting of additional trees with species such as field maple, crab apple, wild cherry and black poplars.
- Creating a wildflower meadow habitat where bees and pollinator species can thrive.
It is also worth noting that while solar panels will be installed on around 40% of the total site acreage, only 5% of the land will be disturbed thanks to the application of a C-shaped type of mounting structures.
Talk to us.
Conrad Energy and Ethical Power welcome your feedback about the project. You can email the project team at: larportsolarfarm@conradenergy.co.uk