Solar Farm Postponed

Oak Valley Solar Farm in Bromsgrove Postponed as Developer Reviews Necessity

The planned Oak Valley solar farm in Bromsgrove has been temporarily paused, as developer Exagen undertakes a review to assess the project’s necessity in achieving the UK’s Net Zero targets. This decision has been welcomed by local MP Bradley Thomas, who has been a vocal opponent of the development.

Who are Exagen?

Exagen, a renewable energy company specialising in solar and battery storage projects, proposed the Oak Valley solar farm as part of its strategy to expand clean energy production across the UK. The proposed site included a significant battery storage facility designed to store excess solar energy for use during peak demand periods. However, concerns from local residents and political representatives have led to increased scrutiny of the development.

Local Opposition

Bromsgrove MP Bradley Thomas has actively opposed the project, particularly the use of good agricultural land for solar farms and battery energy storage systems. He stated, “We should not be building solar farms and battery energy storage systems on good agricultural land, especially at a time when we should be boosting our country’s food security, not reducing it.”

Thomas also highlighted the strong opposition from local residents, noting that a survey he conducted found that 97% of respondents opposed the Oak Valley Energy Park proposal. He reaffirmed his commitment to representing constituents’ concerns, saying, “I’ll continue to work with local residents to oppose these proposals and to make the case for them to be scrapped forever.”

In addition to political opposition, some local residents have questioned the benefits of the battery storage facility. One resident expressed doubt about its relevance to the community, stating, “I don’t see the battery farm serving any function to locals.”

Projects future?

Exagen has stated that the postponement will allow for further assessment of the project’s necessity and feasibility in collaboration with the local Distribution Network Operator. The timescale for concluding this reassessment has yet to be confirmed by the National Energy System Operator (NESO), though the industry anticipates it will be towards the end of 2025.

For now, the future of the Oak Valley solar farm remains uncertain, with further announcements expected following Exagen’s internal review. Residents and stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the project is revised, relocated, or scrapped altogether.

Source Bradley Thomas on X