Council names contractor for new solar farm
● A SOLAR farm on part of a former golf course in Widnes previously contaminated with deadly arsenic is due to be completed early next year after the contractor was revealed.
A one mega-watt facility will be built on part of the former St Michael’s Golf Course on Dundalk Road.
The project will be part-funded with European Regional Development Funding (ERDF) and bring into use a brownfield site, with power generated to power the Halton Stadium in Widnes and reduce its running costs.
A report produced for councillors on next month’s corporate policy and performance board has now confirmed the contractor which will build the farm is Absolute Solar And Wind, which is based in Scotland.
The document said construction is ‘anticipated to be completed’ by February and March of next year.
The project will cost £1.2m, with 50% of the funding provided by the ERDF.
The report said: “The system will produce approximately 850,000kWh per annum over the next 25-30 years.
“The energy generated by the solar farm will reduce CO₂ emissions by 380 tonnes per annum.
“The energy used at the Stadium will offset costs by approximately £50,000 per annum at current prices. The surplus energy will be sold under a power purchase agreement and used to cover the operation and maintenance costs.”
St Michael’s Golf Course was closed in 2004 on the advice of the Health Protection Agency after deadly arsenic was found in the ground.
A major clean-up followed on the site’s northern section which included nearly £2.5m of funding from the Department Of Environment, Food And Rural Affairs.
The work finished in 2013 and a new nine-hole golf course, driving range and clubhouse is due to be built on the northern section, with the solar farm being constructed on the section south of the A562 Speke Road.