Plans have been lodged for a new solar farm estimated to power almost 26,000 homes per year and create 375 jobs.
Proposals have been submitted to Hartlepool Borough Council planning department to carry out the work over 193 acres of agricultural land at High Barns Farm, located on either side of Coal Lane near Elwick village.
The application from Enviromena Project Management UK would see the construction and operation of a grid-connected solar photovoltaic farm, with a capacity of 49.9MW, and a battery energy storage system, with a capacity of 25MW.
The development is sought for a temporary period of 40 years and would aim to provide “a reliable source of clean, renewable energy to the National Grid”.
A planning statement in support of the development outlines how it would power approximately 25,915 homes per year and save the equivalent of 14,500 tonnes of CO2 per year compared to fossil fuel sources.
Additionally, it would “support approximately 375 full-time equivalent jobs across the supply chain”.
Planning documents added: “There is significant and urgent need for renewable energy projects to support the UK’s switch to a low-carbon, smart energy system.
“Solar energy is seen by the government as being central to achieving net zero and will provide a significant portion of the UKs energy needs going forward.
“Overall, the proposed development constitutes sustainable development and will assist in the achievement of the UK’s decarbonisation targets and deliver significant environmental, social, and economic benefits.”
Proposals note as the application is only for a temporary period of 40 years “at the end of its productive lifetime all infrastructure will be removed and land reinstated” to its current condition.
A decision on the proposals is expected in November.