Councilor Warns Against Solar Projects on Prime Farmland, Citing Intermittency of Renewable Energy

A senior Lincolnshire councilor has raised concerns about the intermittency of renewable energy, suggesting that solar projects should not be located on high-quality farmland. Colin Davie, a Conservative county councilor, shared his views during a discussion on the BBC Politics North programme.

The debate followed Energy Secretary Ed Miliband's decision to approve the construction of two solar farms in Lincolnshire. The government has emphasized the importance of solar power in achieving net zero emissions. On July 12, the Energy Secretary approved solar projects at Mallard Pass in Lincolnshire and Rutland, Gate Burton in Lincolnshire, and Sunnica in Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero estimates that these projects will generate a combined power of 1.4GW, sufficient to supply energy to 406,994 homes.

councilor Davie expressed the need for a balanced approach to renewable energy, highlighting its intermittent nature. He stated his support for solar installations on brownfield sites and rooftops, but opposed their placement on prime agricultural land. He stressed the importance of food security, noting that the UK currently produces only 60% of its own food. "Lincolnshire has always been a prime producer of good quality food for the nation. So we're right in saying that we want to protect that," Davie remarked.

'Bigger Picture' Perspective

Sally Jameson, the Labour MP for Doncaster Central, also participated in the discussion. She emphasized the necessity for the UK to ensure its energy independence by investing in renewable and clean fuels. "We, as a country, need to be in a position where we can keep our own lights turned on and keep our own businesses and homes running," Jameson stated. "And the only way we're going to do that is by investing in renewable and clean fuel."

Ann Forsaith, representing the Leeds Green Party, pointed out the longstanding awareness of issues related to fossil fuels. She underscored the importance of considering the broader context, stating, "We need this electricity, we need the energy, we need to be able to capture the solar energy."

The debate highlights the ongoing discussion about the best strategies for balancing renewable energy development with other critical needs, such as food security and land use.