Staveley Solar Farm: About The Project
Staveley Solar Farm is a new solar energy project being developed by TotalEnergies, and Anglian Water, the local water supplier.
The site is located on land to the south of Pilton and comprises approximately 80 hectares (ha) of a 1,565-ha landholding, previously used for ironstone quarrying operations.
It will help to provide clean, sustainable energy to Rutland’s water supply and contribute to local and national net zero targets.
Approximately 90% of the electricity generated by the solar farm will be used by Anglian Water, the local water supplier, to decarbonise their operations, and of which 10-15% will be utilised at the Wing Water Treatment Works via a ‘direct wire’. The remaining energy generated will be exported to the National Grid.
Designed with the future in mind, Staveley Solar Farm will also allow sheep grazing to continue, supporting farm diversification and long-term food production.
TotalEnergies and Anglian Water
TotalEnergies is working with Anglian Water to help achieve their ambitious target of 45% renewable energy generation by 2025 and to become a net zero organisation by 2030. Incorporating renewable energy sources such as Staveley Solar Farm will be needed to meet this challenge and bring Rutland one step closer to achieving net zero.
The site for the proposed Solar Farm is situated on brownfield land with poor soil quality. The vision for the project is to take this site of comparatively low environmental and agricultural value and enhance it to ensure biodiversity can flourish and sheep can graze on the site.
Location
The site is located on land to the south of Pilton Village, Luffenham Lane, Pilton, in Rutland, and comprises approximately 80 hectares (ha) of a 1,380ha landholding, historically used for ironstone quarrying operations. Additionally, no designated heritage assets lie within the site.
The maps above and below show the design that was submitted to Rutland County Council as part of our planning application.
Environmental Enhancement Strategy
The Staveley Solar Farm project enables farm diversification. Approximately 95% of the site will remain available for sheep grazing, allowing farmers to maintain their agricultural operations alongside the solar panels. This dual-use approach supports sustainable farming practices and provides farmers with a diversified and stable income stream.
The National Farmers Union support solar schemes such as this project as it allows farms to diversify which in turn helps keeps farmers in business, allows farmers to continue to farm sustainably, employs local people and provides investments locally, whilst improving the land and soil quality for future generations to come.
The project contributes to improving soil quality and fostering carbon sequestration through the establishment of diverse, flower-rich habitats that support pollinators. This integration of solar energy production with agriculture helps to ensure long-term land fertility while promoting biodiversity and enhancing local ecosystems.
Read about our environmental enhancement plans
About us
About TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies has been present in the UK for more than 60 years, employing more than 1,600 people across the energy value chain.
We are one of the country’s leading oil and gas operators, operating around 27% of the UK Continental Shelf’s gas production.
We’re diversifying our energy offering to provide low-carbon and renewable energies to our customers, while continuing to provide the oil and gas they need today.
We have invested in several offshore wind developments in the UK which will have the capacity to deliver over 5GW of renewable power, including Seagreen (1.1GW) which became fully operational in 2023. We're also making major investments in solar, developing projects across England and Wales amounting to around 980MW of power.
We are one of the UK’s largest suppliers of gas and electricity to businesses and the public sector. We also offer electric vehicle charging solutions and market petroleum products including lubricants, bitumen and aviation fuel.
More about TotalEnergies in the UK and across the world
About Anglian Water
Anglian Water is the largest water and water recycling company in England and Wales by geographic area. It supplies water and water recycling services to almost seven million people in the East of England and Hartlepool. Its purpose, enshrined in the company values, is to bring environmental and social prosperity to the region.
About Pegasus Group
Pegasus Group is a leading independent development consultancy, operating throughout the UK. Pegasus Group are the Planning Agent for Staveley Solar Farm; their role involved guiding the project through the planning process, co-ordinating technical expertise and ensuring compliance with local and national regulations. Their expertise ensures that the development aligns with both community needs and environmental standards.