Construction has started on the West Yorkshire Solar Project, which will generate enough electricity to power 13,000 homes. Led by OnPath Energy, the 124-acre site will link directly to the Ledston Primary substation, advancing the region's green energy goals.
Barnsdale Solar Energy Park Begins Construction
Construction has officially started on a major renewable energy initiative in West Yorkshire. The Barnsdale Solar Energy Park is set to produce enough electricity to meet the annual needs of up to 13,000 homes. This project is being led by OnPath Energy — formerly known as Banks Renewables — and represents a significant step towards boosting the region's green energy capabilities.
OnPath Energy secured planning approval for the West Yorkshire Solar Project in 2021. Located between Kippax and Allerton Bywater, the site spans about 124 acres of south-facing land. It will directly link to the Ledston Primary electricity substation, ensuring a seamless connection to the local energy grid.
The Barnsdale Solar Energy Park has been in development for several years. The project team has spent time finalising its details and preparing the site for construction. With initial groundwork now in progress, the broader development is set to move forward in the new year. The entrance to the Barnsdale site is currently being constructed, marking a significant milestone for the project.
Contractors and Partners Involved in West Yorkshire Solar Project
The first phase of work is being managed by Cheetham Hill Construction. The firm is handling the creation of the site entrance under the guidance of specialist consultancy AECOM, which focuses on infrastructure projects. This partnership will ensure that the site is prepared for the installation of the solar panels and related systems in early 2024.
As the West Yorkshire Solar Project progresses, it is expected to make a substantial environmental impact. The solar park will cover 124 acres, using modern solar technology to capture energy from the sun. The electricity generated will help reduce the region’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources, contributing to the UK’s efforts to reach Net Zero by 2050.
West Yorkshire Solar Project (Image: Collected)
The Barnsdale Solar Energy Park is not just about renewable energy; it is also designed to support local ecosystems. The project’s ecology and biodiversity strategy is ambitious, aiming to provide a biodiversity net gain of 106%. This is more than ten times the usual outcome for similar projects. The site will include wildflower meadows, wetland habitats, and native tree plantings.
The design also includes scrub and hedgerow planting, which will create natural habitats for birds, insects, and small mammals. This combination of solar energy generation and ecological planning ensures that the Barnsdale site will benefit both the local community and the environment. It demonstrates that renewable energy projects can coexist with efforts to protect and enhance nature.
Community Investment from the West Yorkshire Solar Project
In addition to its environmental and energy contributions, the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park will have a positive social impact. More than £800,000 of the revenue generated by the solar park will go into a community fund. This fund will provide grants to local groups and voluntary organisations over the lifetime of the project.
Will Rust — a development planner at OnPath Energy — highlighted the significance of the West Yorkshire Solar Project. He said, “This is a significant landmark in the development of a project that will deliver a wide range of environmental, ecological, energy security and social benefits to local communities and the wider region.”
Rust also emphasised how the project will help the UK meet its Net Zero targets. He noted that OnPath Energy’s four wind farms in Yorkshire already generate enough electricity to power more than 33,000 homes. The addition of the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park will only increase this figure, further contributing to the nation’s green energy goals.
The Barnsdale Solar Energy Park marks a new era for renewable energy in West Yorkshire. It is designed to provide long-term environmental, ecological, and social benefits. With the support of local contractors and partners, the project is moving forward rapidly. As the West Yorkshire Solar Project develops, it will not only meet the energy needs of thousands of homes, but also contribute to the UK’s ambitious Net Zero goals.