Botley West Solar Farm
The proposed Botley West Solar Farm is a subject of major concern to myself and the residents of Wooton, Tackley, Woodstock, Bladon and Yarnton. The proposals for 1,300 hectare site in the middle of Oxford's Green Belt will have a major impact. Whilst we as a nation and race need to rapidly transition to net zero electricity generation to avoid the worst consequences of climate change we must also be wise enought to select the best option for each location whether that is a green field, a city rooftop, a car park or offshore. This will not only ensure that our investments are future proofed but also that we protect our agricultural production capacity.
What is Botley West
- The project will cover approximately 1,300 hectares of prime agricultural land stretched in on north south belt from Wooton to Farmoor.
- The land is currently used for arable and pasture and comprises the Oxford Green Belt
- The site could generate up to 840 MW, enough to power 330,000 homes.
- It has a target completion date of 2027.
- Click the map/plan image to visit the full plan on botleywest.co.uk (external link)
The Scale of Botley West
The Scale of Botley West
Developers Must Listen To Residents
It is important to listen to residents in the consultation. I know from having spoke to many residents both on their doorsteps and at consultations there are a lot of strong feelings.
Our Need for Renewables
The rate and scale of climate change is becoming obvious. Heavier rainfall, more frequent flooding, stronger storms with gale force winds and hotter summers. Many farmers tell me the direct consequences it is having on them. If we have any chance of capping global temperature rise at 2o degrees we must decarbonise. Since 2012, our electricity carbon footprint has fallen 70% (National Grid) and 2024 will see the closure of the UK's last coal fired power station. Renewable energy is dependent on weather, therefore we need a mix of generation sources including on and offshore wind, solar and storage. A recently announced project to import solar electricity from Morocco demonstrates what is possible.
Think Strategically
If we are genuinely going to accept the climate crisis as being existential, we must adopt decarbonisation into all our activities. Climate change could even impact our ability to produce food faster than we can adapt to it. In the northern hemisphere we must protect agricultural land to grow food. I am confident we can get to a greener future but we must be smarter about the decisions we make now. That means utilising all wasted space such as roofs and car parking areas for solar generation. It saddens me to see new industrial units being constructed without their roof space being capable of generating electricity. The level of change we need must be driven top down by a new government and a new breed of politicians.