MALDON MP Sir John Whittingdale recently visited Dengie Solar Park which is nearly completed on 33 hectares of land outside off Keelings Road in Steeple in the Dengie Peninsula.

It is already operational with the solar panels generating up to 21 MW of electricity and there is also battery storage of 5 MW capacity on the site.

The solar park is on land leased by British Solar Renewables and has a lifespan of around 40 years after which it will be dismantled and the land returned to its original use. As part of the community benefit, BSR have given £14,000 to the Essex Community Fund to be used to fund projects in Steeple or nearby. 

Sir John said: "Solar generated electricity makes an important contribution to our energy mix and helps reduce carbon emissions. Dengie Solar Park is well located some distance from residential areas and next to the existing wind turbines.

"It will help the Maldon District achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral and I also welcome the funds that BSR will also be providing to support local projects. "