Multi-million pound solar park plan announced to revolutionise Torbay’s energy

An investment of £6.9 million into Torbay’s green energy sector has been announced in the form of two new solar parks. The parks will supply renewable energy to Torbay Hospital and a South West Water treatment plant.

Torbay Council, who are funding the project say development illustrates the council’s commitment to low carbon energy sources as part of its Energy and Climate Strategy.

Councillors were told the development will be a “win-win” for the Bay, as the cabinet approved the project for the facility at Nightingale Park in Torquay, borrowing more than £4 million to do so.

The development will save an estimated 29,000 tonnes of carbon over the next 25 year period. Funding will be paid back with income from sales of electricity over the same period. It’s hoped that building the solar parks will also generate quality, well-paid local jobs in design, construction and maintenance.

The first facility, Nightingale Park, will be on the former landfill site, located in Barton and Watcombe. With an agreed £4.151 million funding, the park could generate up to 3.2 megawatt-hours of electricity. The site will supply Torbay Hospital with renewable electricity over the next 25 years in support of its plans to become carbon neutral.

The second facility, Brokenbury Park, will be located on land off Bridge Road in Churston and Galmpton. With an agreed £2.75 million funding, the park could generate up to 2 megawatt-hours of electricity. The site will provide electricity to the South West Water treatment plant for the next 25 years.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said: “The council’s support for the two solar parks is great news for the Bay. The schemes will generate clean energy for Torbay Hospital and the South West Water treatment plant, two vital services for Torbay and beyond. The parks are the first of their kind in Torbay. They will reduce carbon emissions by a staggering 29,000 tonnes over their lifetime. We’re looking forward to delivering these facilities and providing a resilient local energy network fit for the future of Torbay.”