Kettering Energy Park was conceived by First Renewable and Stuart Beaty + family in 2011 as a scheme that could deliver integrated, constant, renewable, low carbon energy for occupiers, and for Kettering.

The first major undertaking was the Burton Wold wind farm extension. By choosing class leading GE1.6 100 turbines, the extension’s anticipated power output was doubled. Nine of these turbines, ideally suited to the specific wind conditions of the site, were installed in 2014. They now produce 36MVa annually, helping the wind farm to deliver enough power for 10,191 homes.

A solar array was always part of the plan for the energy park, and consent has been granted for a 40MW installation. With the wind farm in place and solar on the way, the time is now right to complete the original vision: a location for the development of a sustainable energy eco system, where businesses can invest in synergistic, sustainable growth, alongside the development of innovative green tech.

As part of the earlier development of the wind farm extension, a community fund was established to provide grants to residents of Burton Latimer for initiatives that would benefit the local community and sustainability, including the provision of solar panels on smaller scale domestic and commercial properties. The opportunity to provide a similar community fund accessible to nearby local communities is being explored as part of the Energy Park proposals to contribute to wider sustainability objectives and to support progress towards a low carbon society.

First Renewable are the enablers of the Energy Park. Their role is to provide a flexible framework that can help deliver additional renewable energy capacity, new premises to attract employers and businesses and potential hydroponic uses in a sustainable manner to support the economic growth of the North Northamptonshire area in a way that respects the environment.

One of the key requirements from businesses is a stable and reliable energy supply that minimises the carbon footprint. In addition to the wind turbines and consented solar, a 132 kv power line runs through the site, providing access to the Grid to ensure a stable energy supply at the site.

Having helped to deliver the wind turbines and secure planning permission for the solar farms, First Renewable is now focusing on the next stage in the Energy Park’s evolution. This is to fulfil the vision set out in the North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy.