A new solar farm capable of providing enough clean energy to power nearly 26,000 homes has been approved near Hartlepool.

Enviromena, a leading independent power producer, has been granted planning permission for High Barns Solar Farm in Elwick, County Durham following unanimous approval from Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning committee.

The project, which has an AC capacity of 49.9MW and a 25MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), will generate enough clean energy to power approximately 25,915 homes each year and will avoid around 14,500 tonnes of carbon – equivalent to removing 8,620 cars from the road. 

Located on land adjacent to the A19, the project will support Hartlepool’s ambitions to reduce carbon emissions and boost local renewable energy production. 

Enviromena will now move forward with the next phase of development to deliver this significant clean energy initiative, which is the business’ largest self-developed project consented to date.

“We’re proud that High Barns Solar Farm has been approved, representing another important step in delivering clean, reliable power to UK homes,” said Mark Harding, Chief Development Officer at Enviromena. 

“This project not only supports national net zero targets but also reflects our commitment to investing in the communities around our developments.

“The support we’ve seen from the local community, along with the exemplary cooperation from Hartlepool Borough Council’s planning officers and committee members, truly highlights what can be achieved when renewable developers and local government are genuinely aligned. It’s a refreshing contrast to some of the more challenging experiences we’ve encountered elsewhere.”

Along with providing clean, green energy, High Barns Solar Farm will support local biodiversity, with plans to enhance existing hedgerows and create wildflower meadows and grassland habitats beneath the solar panels.

Through collaboration with the council, the development will also to help to facilitate improvements to the public right of way network around the site. 

In addition to the direct benefits of the development, Enviromena has committed to supporting community initiatives and projects in the local area, including extending its support for the Oaksway Netball Team into the 2025/26 season.

Enviromena remains dedicated to developing projects that positively impact communities and the environment. By 2030, the government has outlined the UK requires at least 45GW of operational solar power generation, with projects like High Barns being vital to the success of this target.