Work has begun on the Rawcliffe Bridge Solar Farm in East Yorkshire, a 6-megawatt renewable energy project developed by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Once completed, the site will supply enough clean electricity to meet the energy needs of all council-run leisure centres.
Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for environment and transport, said “It’s great to see this project under construction, which will play a key role in fulfilling our environmental obligations and benefitting the local environment in a cost effective manner.”
The project is expected to reduce annual carbon emissions by around 1,400 tonnes, roughly equivalent to removing 950 vehicles from local roads. It forms part of the council’s wider net-zero strategy and aims to strengthen regional energy resilience while limiting exposure to future price fluctuations.
In addition to power generation, the development will feature environmental enhancements, including a wildflower meadow and new hedgerows. Plans are also being assessed to introduce beehives and use grazing sheep to maintain vegetation naturally, supporting biodiversity alongside renewable energy production.
The Rawcliffe Bridge Solar Farm represents a long-term investment in sustainable infrastructure for East Yorkshire’s public estate and aligns with the council’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
