29 Sep 2010 12:09:08

Cornwall expects solar farm boom

Planning permission has been granted for the first solar power park in the UK and more applications are likely to be on their way, according to Cornwall Council.

Earlier this month, the authority approved construction of a 1.55MW solar park near Truro, which is to be built by 35 Degrees Limited.

The council now predicts that a "rush" from companies looking to develop similar projects could take place in the coming months and this may potentially bring in up to £1 billion of investment.

Some 40 companies have apparently already expressed an interest in building solar farms in the county and up to 100 are eventually expected.

Carolyn Rule, Cornwall Council cabinet member for the economy and regeneration, said: "We need to make the most of this unique opportunity and we are working with the private sector to ensure that this huge investment brings real benefits to people in Cornwall in terms of new jobs, new infrastructure and business opportunities."

The UK's renewable energy capacity took a giant leap recently, as Vattenfall opened the world's largest offshore windfarm off the coast of Kent on September 23rd.