EDF Renewables has announced it is seeking academic partners to conduct research into the potential environmental benefits of solar farms.
The research will focus on EDF and Padero Solar’s proposed Longfield Solar Farm in Essex and will tie into their existing plans and commitments to deliver “substantial biodiversity enhancements” through habitat restoration and management.
As well as influencing these plans and monitoring their outcome, approximately 50 hectares of the site will be available as an experimental area.
It is hoped that the studies will further understanding of the potential impacts of solar arrays on the environment in habitats under and adjacent to the assets, as well as soil health and soil carbon storage.
EDF is seeking expressions of interest until 29 July from academics to deliver research in three areas – biodiversity, habitats on solar farmland and the influence of solar farmland management on soil characteristics.
Mark Lang from Nature Positive, EDF’s partner on the research programme, said: “Whilst solar farms have become increasingly important in meeting the national need for renewable energy, the potential benefits they can have in improving biodiversity and providing other ecosystem services have to date been poorly understood.
“It is hoped the research will contribute to the collective understanding of how solar farms can be effectively managed to enhance biodiversity, influencing current best practice in the rapidly growing solar industry.”
Ben Fawcett, head of solar at EDF Renewables, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Nature Positive on this important project to demonstrate how solar can help the interlinked challenges of reaching net zero and increasing biodiversity.
“This partnership builds on our mission to make Longfield Solar Farm an exemplar solar scheme, delivering real environmental benefits at the local and national level.”