RWE Powers Up Its First UK Solar Farm in Devon

RWE officially energised the 35 MW Langford Solar Farm in Devon, the company’s first solar project in the UK to enter operation. The solar site expects to generate around 49,500 megawatt hours of electricity every year, enough to meet the annual needs of approximately 15,000 typical UK homes. 

Langford is one of 11 solar projects under construction by RWE in England, totalling nearly 530 MW(AC) alongside 105 MW(AC) of co-located battery storage. Langford Solar Farm comes with a combined 35 MW (AC) battery energy storage system, which is also currently under construction and expected to be completed in the coming weeks.  During its expected 40-year lifespan, the solar farm would be capable of saving over 25,000 tonnes of CO2 per year, equal to the annual emissions of over 15,500 cars.

The construction of the Langford Solar Farm created employment for approximately 70 to 80 workers and is projected to contribute over £110,000 annually in business rates. The project was developed with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability, achieving more than a 50% net gain in natural habitats and a 10% increase in hedgerows. It includes features such as species-rich grasslands, wildlife nesting boxes, and preserved green corridors to support local biodiversity. The growth of solar energy, exemplified by this project, aligns with the UK government's 2030 Clean Power Mission and the recently released Solar Roadmap, which outlines a national target of 45–47 GW of solar capacity by 2030 as part of the Clean Power Action Plan.