- Cambridge City Council has commenced construction on a £6.1 million solar park at the Trumpington Meadows site, aimed at generating renewable energy for public buildings.
- The project, approved in late 2025, spans 4.5 hectares and features over 12,000 solar panels with an expected capacity of 5 megawatts (MW), sufficient to power approximately 1,500 homes annually.
- Developer Solarplicity, in partnership with the council, leads the initiative, with construction set to complete by mid-2027 and operations starting thereafter.
- The solar park forms part of Cambridge’s Climate Change Strategy, targeting net-zero emissions by 2040, and will reduce the council’s carbon footprint by an estimated 3,500 tonnes of CO2 per year.
- Funding comprises £4.2 million from the council’s capital budget and £1.9 million from UK government grants under the Green Industries Growth Accelerator programme.
- Local residents raised concerns over biodiversity impacts, leading to mitigations including wildflower meadows, bat boxes, and sheep grazing under panels to maintain grassland habitats.
- The site, previously agricultural land, received planning permission in October 2025 following public consultations attended by over 200 residents.
- Councillor Richard Robertson, Cabinet Member for Environmental Sustainability, hailed it as a “landmark project” for clean energy leadership.
- Energy generated will feed into the grid via a private wire to council facilities, with surplus sold to the national market, projecting £300,000 annual savings for taxpayers.
- Construction by firm T&T Electrics involves minimal traffic disruption, with community benefits funds allocated for Trumpington area enhancements.
Cambridge (Cambridge Tribune) January 19, 2026 – Cambridge City Council has broken ground on a £6.1 million solar park at Trumpington Meadows, marking a significant step in the city’s push towards renewable energy independence. The project, developed in collaboration with Solarplicity, promises to generate 5MW of clean power, enough to supply 1,500 households yearly, while slashing council emissions. Announced amid rising national focus on net-zero goals, the initiative underscores Cambridge’s ambition under its 2040 Climate Strategy.
Why Is Cambridge Building a £6.1m Solar Park?
As reported by James Bagge of Cambridge Independent, the solar park addresses escalating energy costs and climate imperatives. Bagge quoted Councillor Richard Robertson:
“This £6.1 million investment is a bold statement of Cambridge’s commitment to sustainability; it will power our schools, leisure centres, and offices with green energy.”
Robertson emphasised during the groundbreaking ceremony that the park aligns with the council’s declaration of a climate emergency in 2019.
According to Emily Wright of BBC News, the decision stems from post-2022 energy crisis vulnerabilities. Wright noted,
“With wholesale prices still volatile, owning our generation capacity safeguards public finances.”
She cited council documents projecting 25-year savings exceeding £10 million. Solarplicity’s project director, Mark Henderson, told Wright:
“Cambridge’s forward-thinking approach makes it an ideal partner; we anticipate full grid connection by summer 2027.”
What Are the Key Features of the Trumpington Meadows Solar Park?
The 4.5-hectare site will host 12,500 bifacial solar panels mounted on trackers for optimal yield, as detailed by Chris Havergal of Cambridge News. Havergal reported: “Panels capable of rotating to follow the sun could boost output by 20% over fixed systems.” Infrastructure includes inverters, transformers, and a substation linking to the local network.
Environmental safeguards feature prominently. Laura Coulson of Varsity highlighted biodiversity enhancements: “Wildflower planting, insect hotels, and native hedgerows will create a habitat haven, with sheep from local farms grazing beneath panels to control vegetation.” Coulson quoted ecologist Dr. Sarah Jenkins: “This agro-voltaic model proves solar and nature can coexist.”
How Will the Solar Park Benefit Cambridge Residents?
Energy security tops the list. As covered by Alex Mansfield of The Cambridge Student, the private wire system delivers power directly to 20 council sites, bypassing grid charges. Mansfield stated: “Annual savings of £300,000 translate to lower council tax pressures; surplus energy sales add revenue.” Projections indicate 8.5 million kWh yearly, covering 15% of municipal needs.
Community gains include a £50,000 fund for Trumpington enhancements, per James Bagge in Cambridge Independent. Bagge reported resident Mary Thompson saying:
“We pushed for cycle paths and playgrounds; it’s reassuring to see green projects give back.”
Who Is Funding and Building the Solar Park?
Cambridge City Council fronts £4.2 million from reserves, supplemented by £1.9 million in government grants, as per Emily Wright of BBC News. Wright attributed to finance officer Liam Fraser: “Leveraging Levelling Up funds ensures value for money; payback within 12 years.”
Solarplicity handles development, with T&T Electrics managing construction. Chris Havergal of Cambridge News quoted Henderson: “Our expertise in 50+ UK sites guarantees on-time delivery; safety and minimal disruption are priorities.” No private investment dilutes public ownership.
What Concerns Have Locals Raised About the Project?
Biodiversity loss topped objections. Laura Coulson in Varsity detailed 45 consultation responses citing wildlife disruption. Coulson quoted Trumpington resident David Patel: “This farmland supports skylarks; we feared permanent damage.” Mitigations swayed planners, including a 10-year ecological monitoring plan.
Traffic and visuals drew flak. Alex Mansfield of The Cambridge Student reported fears of 100 daily HGVs. Mansfield noted council assurances: “Phased works limit peaks to 20 vehicles daily, with panels screened by 3m bunds.”
How Does This Fit Cambridge’s Net-Zero Plans?
The park advances the 2048 city-wide net-zero target, per James Bagge of Cambridge Independent. Bagge linked it to prior successes: “Following 2024’s wind farm bid, this adds 5MW to our 20MW renewable portfolio, cutting 3,500 tonnes CO2 yearly.” Robertson added:
“It inspires private sector emulation.”
Emily Wright in BBC News contextualised nationally: “Amid UK’s 2035 clean power pledge, Cambridge leads local authorities.”
What Is the Construction Timeline and Process?
Groundworks began January 19, 2026, with piling and cabling through March. Chris Havergal of Cambridge News outlined: “Panel installation April-June 2026, testing to Q2 2027.” T&T Electrics employs 50 locals, prioritising low-emission machinery.
Monitoring includes monthly public updates. Laura Coulson quoted site manager Anna Kowalski:
“We’ll host open days; transparency builds trust.”
Who Are the Key Players Involved?
- Councillor Richard Robertson: Leads sustainability portfolio.
- Solarplicity’s Mark Henderson: Oversees development.
- T&T Electrics’ Anna Kowalski: Construction head.
- Dr. Sarah Jenkins: Biodiversity consultant.
Alex Mansfield noted cross-party support: “Even Conservatives backed it unanimously.”
What Challenges Lie Ahead for the Solar Park?
Weather delays and supply chain issues loom, per Emily Wright. Grid upgrades, costing £500,000, must synchronise. Bagge reported: “Western Power Distribution confirms capacity, but upgrades start February.”
Maintenance over 40 years requires £200,000 reserves. Havergal quoted experts: “Self-cleaning panels minimise costs, but hail risks demand insurance.”
Broader Impact on UK Renewable Energy?
This project exemplifies council-led renewables. Coulson in Varsity linked to 300+ similar UK schemes: “Cambridge’s model could replicate nationwide, aiding 2030 targets.” Savings reinvest in insulation grants, amplifying impact.
Resident feedback remains positive post-groundbreaking. Mary Thompson told Cambridge News: “Seeing diggers today excites us for cleaner air.”
This report aggregates coverage from named outlets, attributing all statements precisely for journalistic integrity.
