Scheme Overview

The Scheme comprises the construction, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning of a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic (PV) generating station and associated development, including:

  • A BESS;

  • A number of 132kV substations location within the Solar PV Sites;

  • Two 400kV substations, one adjoining the BESS site and one within Site 5; and

  • A new National Grid substation operated by National Grid Electricity Transmission plc.

The Scheme also involves grid connection infrastructure including works to the existing 400kV overhead line and associated pylon(s), for example, the relocation or moving or the existing pylon(s), new pylons, temporary replacement pylon(s) and restringing of the overhead line. Underground electricity cabling will run between the Solar PV sites within the Cable Route Corridor (CRC) to connect to the BESS and the National Grid substation.

The operational phase of the Scheme is expected to be 60 years. At the end of this period, a decommissioning plan will be enacted. This plan will require the removal of the solar PV panels, substation(s) and the BESS, and the restoration of the Site to its original use. The new National Grid Substation will be retained as it will form part of the transmissions network.

We have not yet finalised the layout of the Scheme at this stage in the development process, as this will evolve on the findings from environmental and technical surveys we are carrying out and feedback we receive through consultation and engagement.

East Pye Solar (the Scheme) is a proposed utility-scale solar park and battery energy storage system (BESS) project to be constructed in South Norfolk. If approved, the Scheme has the potential to provide up to 500MW of renewable energy.

Location

The Scheme would be located entirely within the administrative boundaries of Norfolk County Council and South Norfolk council. The Sites and Sub-Sites (excluding the CRC) cover an area of 1,097 hectares (ha) while the total area including the CRC covers 2,232 ha.

The Site

The map on this webpage shows the extent of land required for the construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of the Scheme.

The Scheme is located on land south of Norwich and north of Harleston, and will consist of the following sites:

  • Site 1 (sub-sites 1A, 1B): South-west of Great Moulton;

  • Site 2 (sub-sites 2A, 2B, 2C): North-west of Pulham Market and South-east of Great Moulton;

  • Site 3 (sub-sites 3A, 3B): South of Hempnall;

  • Site 4 (sub-sites 4A, 4B): North of Long Stratton and South of Tasburgh;

  • Site 5 (sub-sites 5A, 5B): South-west of Hempnall;

  • Site 6: South-west of Hempnall and North of Silver Green;

  • Site 7 (subsites 7A – 7L): Hempnall is located South-west, Tasburgh to the West, Saxlingham Nethergate to the North and Woodton to the South-east;

  • Site 8 (sub-sites 8A, 8B); South-west of Brooke and North-east of Hempnall;

  • Site 9: South of Brooke; and

  • Site 10 (sub-sites 10A – 10E): North-east of Woodton and South-west of Seething.

The BESS site is proposed to be located on land to the south of Site 1.

The National Grid Substation is proposed to be located either on land identified as the National Grid Substation Site, situated to the west of the BESS site; or within Site 1B. Both options have the existing 400kV overhead line running through them.

In addition to hosting the solar PV panels and supporting infrastructure, these areas will incorporate biodiversity and environmental enhancements and mitigation. This will ensure that the solar PV panels, BESS, the National Grid substation, and other necessary infrastructure for generating and storing electricity, are carefully and sensitively located in their surroundings.

Please scroll below to use our interactive map where you can search for a location and see how it relates to the site.

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