The UK government’s ambitious plan to triple the country’s solar power generation capacity in the next five years has sparked mixed reactions, with critics concerned about the environmental impact on rural landscapes.
While supporters argue that large solar farms are essential for combating climate change, detractors warn they will irreversibly alter the countryside.
Plans for 10 large solar farms across the East of England and Northamptonshire are already in development, covering a combined 24,000 acres.
These projects, which could generate up to 4.3 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, surpass the energy output of the new Sizewell C nuclear power station, currently under construction in Suffolk.
With solar power set to become a critical component of the UK’s energy strategy, these developments are expected to continue for the next decade.
In Swaffham, Norfolk, local residents are divided on the proposals for two massive solar farms. The Droves solar farm, which spans 2,790 acres between Swaffham and Castle Acre, is planned to generate 500 MW of electricity.
Meanwhile, the High Grove solar farm, covering approximately 4,000 acres, could generate up to 720 MW. Both sites have sparked concern among some locals, who worry about the lasting effects on the natural landscape.
Lorraine Tidnam, manager of the Green Parrot café in Swaffham, said the prospect of large solar farms “changes the environment” and the aesthetics of the countryside.
“The fear is that it’s going to just change the environment—how it looks, the aesthetics of the countryside—forever,” she stated.
However, not all residents share the same concerns. Lee Lawrence, an antique shop owner in Swaffham, expressed support for renewable energy and the necessity of solar farms.
“There’s lots of news about flooding and fires and stuff like that, so we do have to do something about it,” he said, emphasizing the importance of reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Critics, like Kay Mason-Billig, Conservative leader of Norfolk County Council, argue that solar farms are being built on valuable agricultural land, detracting from food production and negatively affecting local communities.
“We shouldn’t be taking prime land out of food production,” she said. “It’s destroying our countryside, it’s blighting people’s lives—there’s no compensation for them.”
Despite the concerns, the government is moving forward with its solar expansion plan. In December 2024, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced the goal to increase solar generation in the UK from 16.6 GW to 45-47 GW by 2030.
This push for renewable energy is part of the country’s broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions and ensure long-term energy security.
RWE, the German energy company behind the High Grove solar farm, is optimistic about the potential for large-scale solar projects.
Michael Greslow, the project manager, acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy.
“The urgent need for renewable power is driving the push towards large-scale installations,” Greslow said. “This is very fast in terms of its deployment and delivery.”
While the plans to expand solar power continue to gain traction, the debate over the use of rural land for energy generation is likely to remain a contentious issue in the coming years.
The government has assured communities that it is considering ways to help them benefit from solar farm developments, but for now, the future of the UK’s countryside remains uncertain as the shift toward renewable energy accelerates.
