Former Desborough Airfield Solar

Innova Renewables is preparing a planning application for the proposed solar farm at the former Desborough Airfield, Kettering.

The site would be capable of generating up to 99.9 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy, enough to power approximately 32,000 homes, while saving around 18,750 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, and would also include up to 100 MW of energy storage capacity.

Innova is currently preparing details that will form part of the public consultation, which will take place prior to the submission of the full planning application.

The UK has committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050 and to decarbonising the electricity grid by 2035. The Proposed Development would support the UK’s transition to Net Zero and increase the use of renewable energy by supporting the supply of energy to the National Grid.

The site has been carefully selected and designed through a detailed assessment process. This initially considered grid availability, land availability, environmental designations, planning policy, access, and impacts on landscape, heritage, agricultural land quality, and ecological matters.

A team of expert consultants has been appointed to undertake site-specific assessments, which are currently ongoing. Following the results of these surveys, consultation with the Council, and a public consultation, iterative design work will be undertaken prior to submission of the full planning application.

The UK has committed to achieving net zero by 2050 and to decarbonising the electricity grid by 2035. North Northamptonshire Council declared a Climate and Environmental Emergency in July 2021, committing the area to becoming carbon neutral by 2050 or sooner. Renewable energy developments, such as the proposal at the former Desborough Airfield, form a key part of addressing the climate emergency and achieving both local and national targets. This development will play a vital role in the transition to renewable energy.