Aura Power obtains planning approval for 30-MW UK solar farm

UK renewable energy developer Aura Power has secured planning approval for a project to build a 30-MW solar farm after winning an appeal against a previous rejection of the scheme by the Cornwall Council.

The facility, dubbed Copper Bottom Solar Farm, is planned to be located near Carnhell Green in the town of Camborne. It is expected to generate enough power to meet the needs of more than 8,000 local homes annually when operational.

The Cornwall Council rejected the planning application in August 2023, despite a recommendation for approval from the Planning Officer, citing the land's agricultural status. However, after an appeal, the Planning Inspector ruled the decision inconsistent with national policy, noting the land is predominantly grade 3b, not classified as best and most versatile (BMV) agricultural land.

“We look forward to taking this exceptional project through to construction, alongside several other projects in our portfolio, across the country,” George Wilyman, Head of Planning at Aura Power said in a press statement.

The positive development on the Copper Bottom project announced on Wednesday came a day after Aura said that it has been awarded contracts for difference (CfD) to 175 MW of solar capacity in the UK government’s sixth renewables auction. The projects cleared at a strike price of GBP 50.07 (USD 65.6/EUR 59.4) per MWh.

The secured capacity is spread across four schemes -- the 30-MW Rayleigh Solar Farm in Essex; the 50-MW Horton Solar Farm in Devon; the Hawthorn Pit Solar Farm of 45 MW in County Durham; and the 49.9-MW Preston Hill Solar Farm in Staffordshire.

(GBP 1 = USD 1.312/EUR 1.187)

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