Bluestone National Park Resort has launched a solar farm with 6,200 solar panels as part of its £30 million investment strategy. The new installation will generate 3,000 MWh of electricity annually—enough to power up to 1,200 homes.
£30m Expansion Strategy
Located in Pembrokeshire, Bluestone National Park Resort has taken a significant step towards sustainability by launching its new solar farm. Spanning 7.4 acres, the project is a major part of the resort’s £30 million investment strategy to expand its facilities while reducing its carbon footprint.
The farm’s 6,200 solar panels are expected to generate around 3,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity each year, making it a critical element of the resort’s sustainable energy plan. This project is a key milestone in Bluestone’s journey to reduce its environmental impact, preventing an estimated 675 tonnes of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere annually—the equivalent of taking 329 diesel vehicles off the road for a year.
A Key Element of Bluestone National Park’s Long-Term Strategy
Designed for a 40-year lifespan, the solar farm ensures long-term viability and stands as a major component of Bluestone’s plan to achieve net-zero status by 2040. This provides a reliable source of clean energy for decades to come.
Marten Lewis, Bluestone’s director of sustainability, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “We’re pleased to open the solar farm. With the project approved over 18 months ago, the team has been working hard to ensure it’s up and running by the end of summer. This contributes to our wider commitment to sustainable development, as we drive down our carbon emissions.”
He noted that the resort’s record summer figures prove that tourism and sustainability can thrive together. “Our main aim is to successfully balance tourism with sustainability,” Lewis added.
The Bigger Picture: Bluestone’s Commitment to Sustainability
The solar farm is just one of several initiatives Bluestone has undertaken to reduce its environmental impact. Other projects are in place across the resort to shrink its carbon footprint and have a positive impact on the environment.
These efforts include a food recycling scheme to repurpose food waste, staff-commute bus services to reduce car journeys, and onsite electric buggies for eco-friendly guest transport. The resort also uses locally sourced biomass to heat its popular Blue Lagoon Water Park, further reducing its reliance on fossil fuels.
Contributing to Net-Zero Goal 2040
All of these initiatives contribute to Bluestone’s broader goal of achieving net-zero status by 2040. As part of this commitment, the resort is continually seeking new ways to lower its carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
Lewis emphasized the solar farm’s role in the resort’s overall plan. “The solar farm is a key milestone in our work to reduce our carbon footprint,” he said. “As we work hard to achieve net-zero status by 2040, the solar farm is crucial in ensuring that we are true to our ambitions in response to the nature and climate emergencies.”
By combining new technology with a strong commitment to sustainability, Bluestone National Park Resort is positioning itself as a leader in eco-friendly tourism and setting a new standard for responsible travel.