Equans appointed to deliver 30 MW Barkham solar farm for Wokingham Borough Council
Equans has been appointed by Wokingham Borough Council to design and build a 30 MWp solar farm in Barkham, Berkshire generating clean, renewable electricity for approximately 10,000 homes.
The 41,000 panel solar farm will be connected to the National Grid at 33kV and will take approximately 18 months to construct; with full connectivity expected in 2029.
Barkham Solar Farm is a key part of Wokingham Borough Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and its ambition to become a carbon-neutral borough. The council currently estimates that the project could save 5,914 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent each year.
The wider scheme includes 2.66 hectares of new woodland, alongside meadow grassland, hedgerows and additional tree planting. These measures are intended to enhance biodiversity and capture carbon. The project also includes a new greenway through the site, improving walking and cycling connections in the local area.
The solar farm is also expected to generate income for Wokingham Borough Council, helping to support council services at a time of financial pressure.
Gregory Allouis, Energy Solutions Director, Equans UK & Ireland, said: “This project represents an important step in delivering sustainable energy infrastructure that supports the UK’s transition to a low carbon future.
“We have extensive expertise in the design and delivery of solar farms and this project will generate more low-carbon electricity locally, enhance biodiversity and provide lasting value for the borough.”
Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, Executive member for Finance and Governance, Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We know residents expect us to tackle climate change while also protecting the services they rely on, and this project helps us do both.
“Once operational, the solar farm will generate enough renewable electricity to power around 9,400 homes and provide more than £1 million a year in income to help support essential council services at a time of significant financial pressure.
“Alongside the environmental and financial benefits, the project will bring new walking and cycling links, increased biodiversity and hundreds of new trees, creating a lasting legacy for local communities.
"We’re pleased to be moving into the construction phase and look forward to seeing the project take shape over the coming months.”
Construction is expected to begin this month.