Boston solar park: building work begins

Low-carbon generator Infinis and leading waste management and recycling company FCC Environment have commenced construction of a new landfill solar park in Boston, Lincolnshire.

Boston Solar Park is being developed and operated by Infinis. Once completed, the site will generate around 10,500 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy each year. That’s enough electricity to power around 2,900 homes.

To support biodiversity on the 31-acre site, Infinis plans to:

• Introduce a range of new, high-value habitats, including coastal meadow grassland, native woodland, and native scrub with a diverse mix of species
• Provide enhanced nesting and foraging opportunities for birds
• Provide refuge and breeding opportunities for reptiles and amphibians, including the provision of safe spaces for them to hibernate over winter
• Re-locate orchids, ensuring that they are not harmed.

To protect the existing landfill cap engineering, a large proportion of the solar foundations will be above ground and use recycled aggregate.

The solar park is due to energise in June 2024. Ethical Power is the principal contractor for the development, with National Grid Electricity Distribution delivering the grid works.

Chris Ellis, Director of Operations at FCC Environment said: “Combining our considerable land supply, and Infinis’ solar energy expertise, we can develop an industry leading partnership to provide much needed renewable energy to help the UK realise its Net Zero ambitions.”

“By repurposing backfilled landfills, we can give new life to land that would be unsuitable for housing and other uses, ensuring it makes a positive contribution to the UK.”

Andrew Leeding, Director of Development and Construction at Infinis, commented: “This site is more than double the size of our Winterton project, which was successfully energised earlier in the year.

“By providing renewable electricity to the local grid infrastructure, Boston Solar Park will contribute towards the UK Government achieving Net Zero, as well as its targeted five-fold increase in solar generation by 2035.

“This is our latest venture with FCC Environment to develop a portfolio of solar energy projects on UK landfill. With a significant number of other sites moving through the planning process, we look forward to continuing our positive partnership.”

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