IG Renewables celebrates first planning success of 3GW pipeline
IG Renewables, a London-based renewable energy company, are pleased to announce that planning permission has been granted for Nickerlands Solar Farm near Ongar, Essex. This project was originated and developed by experienced local developer Anglo Renewables.
Led by serial entrepreneur Rodolfo Bigolin and Matt Black, who also sits as Chairman of industry body Solar Energy UK, IG Renewables was founded to develop, construct and operate clean energy infrastructure in the UK. The company has built an experienced team of engineers, land, legal, finance and planning specialists to deliver on this strategy.
Nickerlands Solar Farm marks the first planning approval of its c.3GW pipeline of solar, onshore wind and battery storage projects across England, Wales and Scotland. While the initial projects in the pipeline were progressed in partnership with developers such as Anglo Renewables, the majority have been originated and managed by the IG Renewables team.
With an expected capacity of c.28MWp, Nickerlands Solar Farm will generate enough renewable electricity to power approximately 5,624 homes per year. It also supports local climate targets set by Epping Forest District Council, who declared a Climate Emergency in 2019, and have committed to be a carbon neutral district by 2030.
Solar projects such as this are integral to the UK Government’s ambitious strategy to achieve Clean Power by 2030, which is intended to decarbonise the country’s electricity, reduce energy costs, deliver jobs and growth while increasing energy independence.
Nickerlands Solar Farm covers about 26 hectares and has been designed with a high focus on enhancing local biodiversity. Solar farms have been evidenced to drive a significant improvement in local Biodiversity. The project’s design includes the planting of pollinator-friendly wildflowers, hedgerows and trees, all of which support the restoration and biodiversity of the site.
In keeping with the developers’ focus on socially beneficial projects, a community fund of £25,000 is being established to support initiatives as determined by the local community.
Matt Black, Managing Director of IG Renewables Ltd said, “It’s fantastic to see the hard work over recent years cumulating in IG Renewables delivering planning permission for its first project, and we have a large pipeline of further projects to follow. Partnering up with Anglo Renewables has been a very positive experience, and their professionalism and deep expertise has been invaluable in bringing this project to this stage. We are committed delivering well designed and suited projects that provide tangible benefits to local biodiversity and the community as well as contributing to the UK's renewable energy targets and providing clean electricity to thousands of homes.”
James Stone, Managing Director of Anglo Renewables said, “We are delighted to receive planning consent for Nickerlands Solar Farm. We would like to express our appreciation to the local council for their efficient and positive approach to this application, and we look forward to the significant benefits of renewable energy generation and biodiversity net gain being realised once the site moves into construction. Partnering with IG Renewables throughout this project has been a hugely positive experience, and we are excited at the prospect of progressing further projects over the coming months”.
