Oldham's first large-scale solar farm is nearing completion on a previously unused site in Failsworth, near Failsworth Metrolink stop.
Wrigley Head Solar Farm has been built on Council-owned land that was unsuitable for housing or other development and had become a dumping ground in places. The site has been cleared and improved as part of the work.
Energy generation and local benefit
Once operational, the solar farm will generate up to 888kW of renewable electricity. Around 830,000 kWh is expected to be produced each year — enough to power approximately 310 homes.
The electricity will pass through a transformer before being exported to the local electricity network, generating income for the Council.
Skills and opportunities
The project has created opportunities for young people in the borough to learn about the green energy sector. A student from Oldham College completed a week-long work placement on the project, and Vital Energi, the North West-based contractor delivering the solar farm, delivered a careers session with students about opportunities in the energy sector.
Environmental improvements
Work is being carried out to improve the ecology of the site, which forms part of the Moston Brook Green Corridor. New planting will help create better habitats for wildlife, and fencing has been designed to allow animals to continue moving through the area.
Wrigley Head Solar Farm is part of Oldham's Strategic Energy Programme, which aims to make the borough more self-sufficient in energy while creating jobs, skills and economic opportunities for local people.
