A PUBLIC consultation will begin on a solar farm which aims to create enough electricity to power over 50,000 homes.

Firma Vogt Solar has announced the start of its 'informal consultation process' for the Dean Moor Solar Farm and co-located battery energy storage, a proposed 'Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project' (NSIP) between Gilgarran and Branthwaite in west Cumbria.

It is anticipated that Dean Moor Solar Farm would have a capacity of up to 150MW of renewable energy – enough to power over 50,000 typical family homes every year.

The 100MW battery facility will 'reinforce the power generated by the solar farm and provide balancing services to maintain grid stability', the company said.

The informal public consultation will be made up of two in-person events, with the first held on Tuesday, October 17 (2pm-7pm) at Dean Kirkstile Hall and the second on Wednesday, October 18 (2pm-7pm) in the Solway Lounge at Hunday Manor.

They will also be holding two online webinars on Thursday October 19 (6pm-7pm) and Monday, October 30 (6pm-7pm), which you can sign up for here.

Dean Moor Solar Farm is a joint venture between Firma Energy Ltd and ib vogt UK Ltd, coming together under Firma Vogt Solar. It will be situated between Gilgarran and Branthwaite on approximately 300 hectares (741 acres).

Firma Vogt Solar said it will be using feedback received during the public consultation to inform its proposals, before the start of the formal statutory consultation period in early 2024.

The company said it will work with local communities to 'maximise the local benefits delivered by the project' and has offered a £500,000 benefit fund which, subject to receiving planning consents, will be utilised for 'local community enhancement'.

Firma Vogt Solar is currently engaging with local partners to identify potential projects they can assist with.

Rufus Salter, director at Firma Vogt Solar said: "Firma Vogt Solar is dedicated to shaping a greener future and supporting the UK's mission to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

"We're keen to hear from the public as part of the informal public consultation process, as we firmly believe that solar energy, a clean and renewable resource, should play a key role in addressing the current energy challenges faced by the UK.

"Dean Moor Solar Farm exemplifies our commitment in action, as it is set to play a significant role in advancing these important goals, creating a positive impact for both the environment and the country's energy landscape."