Shropshire Council plans to convert a former landfill on Oswestry’s industrial estate into a two-megawatt solar farm, comprising over 3,000 panels on a four-hectare plot near the town centre.
Council to Manage Solar Farm for 25 Years
Under the proposal, a former landfill on the Maesbury Road Industrial Estate, roughly one mile from the town centre, will be transformed into a two-megawatt solar farm. The project is designed to supply electricity directly to the nearby Arla Foods packaging plant, with any surplus power sold back to the national grid. Shropshire Council intends to build and manage the solar farm for a 25-year period.
Landfill solar farm transformation
Under a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Arla Foods has committed to buying the generated electricity at a fixed rate. Any power the plant doesn’t use will be exported to the National Grid, creating additional revenue for the council.
The council describes the project as a public-private collaboration that benefits both parties while helping the area meet its renewable energy targets.
Supporting the UK’s Clean Energy Objectives
A supporting statement for the project highlighted its dual benefits and long-term viability.
“The proposed 2MW solar farm offers financial benefits for the Council and Arla Foods, while contributing to the UK’s clean energy goals,” the statement noted. “The private wire connection provides direct and efficient electrical supply to Arla Foods, with any excess energy exported to the national grid. The Council’s entire ownership and accountability for the project provides long-term commitment, as well as strong oversight and management.”
Through the PPA, Arla Foods will gain a secure and potentially more affordable source of renewable energy. Meanwhile, Shropshire Council expects to generate revenue from electricity sales to both Arla Foods and the national grid, promoting its own financial sustainability.
Cutting Carbon Emissions
The council estimates the proposed solar farm will cut the packaging plant’s carbon emissions by 418,559 kilograms per year while generating roughly 2,000,000 kWh of power annually.
This project builds on Arla Foods’ existing sustainability efforts, including the installation last year of roof-mounted solar panels capable of producing up to 800 kilowatts. If approved, construction at the new site is expected to take about five months. Shropshire Council’s planning department will make a decision on the scheme in due course.
The proposed solar farm represents a significant step towards sustainability for both Shropshire Council and Arla Foods. By repurposing a former landfill, the project will directly supply a local business with renewable electricity, reduce carbon emissions, and support the UK’s clean energy goals.