Frequently Asked Questions

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The Project

Is Norfolk sunny enough for solar to work?

Yes. Norfolk gets plenty of daylight to make solar power a reliable source of energy. In fact, solar already contributes over 4% of the UK’s total electricity annually and can generate as much as 30% of the national supply at different points during the year.

One of the advantages of solar technology is its ability to generate power even on cloudy days. Panels work using daylight, not just direct sunshine, which means they produce energy reliably throughout the year. What’s more, sunlight levels can be accurately forecasted, helping ensure stable and predictable generation.

Onsite battery storage would also allow us to store excess power during the day and release it during peak demand—even after the sun has gone down. This means Tasway Energy Park can continue contributing to the grid when it’s most needed.

This site was identified based on several factors including land availability, environmental and land constraints and proximity as well as availability of grid infrastructure. Feedback will be sought on the proposed site location through consultation

BESS stands for Battery Energy Storage System. It works a bit like a giant rechargeable battery for the electricity grid.

During daylight hours, solar panels often generate more electricity than is immediately needed. A BESS stores this excess energy so it can be used later, such as in the evening or when solar generation drops. This helps maintain a stable and reliable power supply.

BESS are carefully designed and installed to meet strict safety standards. They are monitored around the clock and include multiple layers of safety controls. In developing our proposals, we consult with fire safety experts to ensure that the project complies with fire safety standards. 

In short, BESS helps ensure that solar power can best support the UK’s energy demands, and is not just something that works when the sun is out. 

Tasway Energy Park will  generate up to 700 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable electricity—enough to power over 200,000 homes each year*—and support the UK’s transition to net zero.

*Based on 2022 generation, and assuming average (mean) annual household consumption of 3,240kWh, based on latest (Jan 2024) statistics from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

As Tasway Energy Park will generate more than 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity, it is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This means it must go through a special type of planning process under the Planning Act 2008 and an application will be made for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to authorise the construction, operation and maintenance of the Energy Park. 

The DCO process is designed for large-scale projects like this one. It’s managed by the Planning Inspectorate, an independent body that examines the application in detail and makes a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, who makes the final decision.

The process is thorough and includes consultation and assessment on the proposals before the DCO application is made. South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council as the local authorities in which the Energy Park is proposed to be located will play an important role in shaping aspects of the project. We will also work closely with parish councils, stakeholders such as the Environment Agency, Natural England, and the local community to ensure feedback is considered and reflected where possible.

The DCO process ensures that environmental impacts, community views, and technical details are all carefully examined before a decision is made.

You can find more information on the Planning Inspectorate’s website: infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk

Subject to the DCO being granted we anticipate construction starting in 2030 with an estimated construction period of 24 months with a phased approach. 

We acknowledge that there are other energy infrastructure proposals within the wider area and we will be considering the cumulative impacts of these and any opportunities for collaboration to maximise the positive impacts in this location. 

Those closest to our site are set out below alongside where further information on these can be found:

We are in regular contact with each of the developers for these schemes and will work together to mitigate the cumulative impacts of the projects and explore any opportunities for wider benefits in the local communities. 

Environment

Have you considered the impact on ecology and biodiversity?

Yes. Protecting the local environment is a key priority for Aukera. We are currently carrying out detailed ecological and biodiversity surveys to understand the wildlife, habitats, and natural features in and around the Site.

These surveys will help shape the design of the project, ensuring that we include appropriate measures to protect and enhance biodiversity. Research by Solar Energy UK (2025) shows that, when thoughtfully designed and managed, solar farms can play a valuable role in nature recovery—enhancing habitats for wildflowers, hedgerows, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.

We will work with local environmental groups and statutory bodies like Natural England to ensure our approach meets the highest standards.

The project is being designed to minimise impacts on heritage assets and their setting. We will engage with Historic England and the local planning authority heritage lead, and an assessmentwill be undertaken to inform the design development of the project. Heritage will be assessed as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Yes. Initial site visits are commencing to understand the landscape and visual baseline and to identify sensitive receptors. The assessment will consider the potential impacts from the introduction of new infrastructure in the landscape and from a range of viewpoints, which will be agreed with the relevant stakeholders.  We will also be considering ways that we can reduce potential impacts through the design of the project and other measures, including planting and screening. 

During the day-to-day operation, sound would come from equipment such as the BESS, inverters and substations. These components will be carefully sited away from homes wherever possible.  Baseline noise levels at sensitive receptors (e.g. residential properties) will be established through a monitoring programme.  Noise modelling will be completed as part of the assessment process, where required, to inform infrastructure siting and establish any mitigation measures required.

Noise will also be generated during construction, which is temporary. We will follow guidelines to manage noise levels, and work is usually carried out during standard working hours to minimise disruption (subject to specific project requirements).  We will be liaising with the relevant Environmental Health Officers at the local planning authority during the assessment process.

The government’s Independent National Food Strategy Review found that solar developments like Tasway Energy Park do not threaten the UK’s ability to produce food. In fact, the biggest long-term threat to food security is climate change. According to Defra, climate change could reduce the UK’s supply of high-quality agricultural land by up to 75% by 2050.

Solar farms provide a stable source of income for farmers, enabling them to continue farming activities on other parts of their land. By temporarily removing land from intensive agriculture, they allow for long-term soil recovery and regeneration. When managed with biodiversity in mind, solar farms can enhance habitats for pollinating invertebrates, supporting surrounding farmland and strengthening local ecosystems.

By generating clean, low-carbon electricity and safeguarding high-quality agricultural land, they play a key role in supporting the UK’s food security—both now and for future generations.

At Tasway Energy Park, we’re carrying out surveys on the site to understand soil quality (including the coverage of Best and Most Versatile (BMV) land) and land use. This will help us design the project in a way that respects local agriculture and maximises environmental benefits.

There are a number of surveys currently being undertaken which are exploratory — to understand environmental, technical, and land conditions. The information and data gathered will be used to inform design decisions from an early stage.

The surveys currently underway are within the Site boundary and are agreed with the relevant landowners. In the future, the community may see our surveyors working in the adjoining villages, or from Public Rights of Way, for example to take viewpoint photography, carry out baseline noise measurements and gather traffic count data.

Community Impact

How will you consult with the local community?

We are committed to meaningful engagement with the local community at every stage of the project’s development.

As the project progresses, we’ll share early ideas for the project and ask for local input. This is an important opportunity for us to listen, understand local priorities, and shape the proposals in response. Consultation will include public events, information materials, and opportunities to give feedback online and in person.

At every step, we’ll make sure information is clear, accessible, and available in different formats. We’ll also continue to be available for questions, meetings, and conversations throughout the development of the project proposals.

We are currently at an early stage of design development and so the potential impact on PRoW is still under consideration. Where reasonably practicable we will seek to ensure that existing PRoW on the Site are retained where possible, maintaining access to the countryside. 

Our design will be sensitive to PRoWs and bridleways aiming to improve where feasible. Our Overview Plan presents the existing PRoWs in the area and how these relate to our early stage proposals. 

Aukera is committed to supporting host communities and a community benefit fund package will be offered. 

This  will be managed by a Fund Administrator and developed through engagement with the local community. Options available will be presented when we consult in Autumn-Winter 2025.