Work has officially commenced on a crucial new substation for a major solar energy park in South Yorkshire, marking a significant step forward for a project set to power thousands of local homes with clean energy.
Powering Progress: The Common Farm Solar Park
The renewables developer OnPath Energy is behind the Common Farm Solar Park, located near the Todwick Road Industrial Estate in Dinnington, close to Sheffield. Once fully operational, this ambitious solar park will generate enough green electricity to meet the needs of up to 18,800 family homes.
To manage the electrical output, the project has now reached a pivotal stage with the start of construction on a dedicated substation. The connection specialist TMS Grid has been appointed to deliver the connectivity infrastructure for both OnPath Energy and Northern PowerGrid.
Infrastructure and Local Impact
Preparatory work, including levelling the site for the 27,000 sqft substation, is now underway. The actual construction of the building is expected to begin around the end of 2025, with the entire substation development projected to take approximately one year to complete.
During this phase, the project will support up to 12 on-site jobs at any given time. Following the substation work, construction on the main solar park will begin over the winter, with the whole scheme scheduled for completion in mid-2027.
The development is committed to providing opportunities for regional subcontractors and suppliers throughout its construction period. Furthermore, a significant annual community benefits package of around £50,000 is planned, which could equate to roughly £2 million over the project's lifetime. Consultations are ongoing to decide how this fund can best serve the local area.
Environmental and Energy Security Benefits
A key feature of the project is its 50MW battery storage facility, which will link directly into the existing Thurcroft electricity substation, located about three kilometres north of the site. OnPath Energy states this integration will help make the wider energy grid more efficient, facilitate greater use of renewables, and bolster the long-term security of energy supplies.
The scheme also includes strong ecological commitments. To boost biodiversity, the entire 116-hectare site has already been planted with new grassland, which will develop into a wildflower meadow.
Peter Eagle, Chief Executive Officer at TMS Grid, commented: "The Common Farm Solar Park is an excellent example of a modern, efficient project that will help to increase the amount of low carbon, green energy that’s available to all of us."
Martin Kellerman, Construction Director at OnPath Energy, added: "Work on delivering the direct environmental, energy security, economic and community benefits that the Common Farm Solar Park will bring to the local area is beginning to accelerate."
