Developers claim around 460 new jobs could be created if plans for a new Nottinghamshire solar park are approved.
The proposed Great North Road Solar Park, would see around 1.5m panels built on farmland surrounding villages to the north of Newark, capable of producing enough energy to power 400,000 homes.
The developer Elements Green states that around 400 roles would be created during the construction phase, with a further 60 needed permanently once it is operational.
Mark Noone, head of UK development, said: “The benefits of the Great North Road Solar Park aren’t just limited to cheaper bills and greener energy.
“There will be hundreds of secure well-paid jobs created during construction and the project’s legacy would include scores of skilled positions once the site is operational.
mpu1
“Over half of those will be engineering roles, but there will also be a need for admin and support staff, and there will be plenty of chances for these roles to be filled locally.
“These will be good jobs, which are permanent and pay a proper wage. Much like the Great North Road Solar Park, we believe they will make a positive contribution to the lives of families across the area.
“The skills and training opportunities on offer to local people will form part of a separate announcement to follow in the coming months.”
According to Mark, the public are warming to the idea of the development plans following initial consultation staged earlier this year, however only 16% of residents outright backed the plans.
Elements Green have recently been trying to win over residents who are unsure and address fears with a series of tours explaining how the new solar park would work.
It is argued that the new solar park would play a significant role in achieving the UK Government’s solar energy target of 70GW constructed by 2050, alongside creating a more sustainable Nottinghamshire.
Additionally, around £1m-a-year in grant funding would be made available to the community via the NG+ scheme, helping community projects that have a focus on areas such as education, food security, energy efficiency, wellbeing and the environment.
mpu2
Mark added: “Whilst the Great North Road Solar Park is still currently a proposal, the benefits it could bring to this area – be it jobs, community funding and cleaner energy – are huge.
“This all signals our intent to make a permanent and positive economic difference to the area through Great North Road Solar Park.”