Taiyo Power & Storage has sold the 37.3MW Ford Oaks greenfield solar project in East Devon at ready-to-build stage to Infinis Solar Developments for an undisclosed price.
Situated next to the A30, Ford Oaks is expected to produce 37.9GWh of renewable energy per year and bring approximately 45 hectares of green infrastructure improvements, including tree and hedgerow planting.
The scheme, which will be built across 58 hectares of land, will help power 18,500 homes and offset 25,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Since its inception in 2021, Taiyo – a joint venture between Kajima and Low Carbon Alliance – has been developing a portfolio of ground-mounted solar and battery energy storage facilities across the UK.
Chris Gill, director at Taiyo Power & Storage and investment director and head of renewables at Kajima, said: “As our first project to achieve planning consent, the subsequent sale of Ford Oaks represents a key milestone in our strategy to deliver renewable energy across the UK. We are committed to developing additional solar energy assets to enhance the UK’s renewable energy capacity in the coming years. This will help local communities and the nation achieve greater climate resilience while contributing to more affordable energy bills.”
Simon Crowe, director at Taiyo Power & Storage and managing director at Low Carbon Alliance, added: “Solar power is a critical component to the decarbonisation of the grid and to achieving our net zero goals. This project will produce 37.9GWh of renewable energy per year. Furthermore, we are proud to contribute to tackling the UK’s biodiversity crisis, with an impressive 121% biodiversity net gain. Solar farms contribute to a better, more sustainable future, providing low-cost energy independence and security.”
Andrew Leeding, director of development and construction at Infinis, said: “Once completed, Ford Oaks will provide clean, secure energy to around 18,500 homes, and continue our work supporting the UK’s journey to net zero. Infinis has built, owned and operated renewable projects all around the UK since 2007. Our track record proves that we’re in this for the long-term. We are keen to engage with local communities – both during the construction and operational phases of the project – to minimise any impacts and identify local initiatives that we may be able to support going forward.”
