Inside the Nottinghamshire dairy farm churning out renewable power

We take a look at the latest example of agriculture and net zero aligning, creating enough energy to power 50 homes for the next year. 

A partnership between Nottinghamshire family and visitor-friendly farm and artisan ice cream wholesaler Bluebell Dairy and Geo Green Power has delivered a new 210kW ground-mounted solar PV system. The technology can generate more than 188,000 kWh of electricity annually. 

More than enough to power the businesses’ industrial freezer storage facility, and other key operations across the 300 acre farm, the energy created is equal to that used by 49.5 British homes every 12 months. Meanwhile, carbon savings would balance out the average vehicle emissions from seven cars. 

Geo Green Power was approached for the contract after completing another location in the area, Dunstall Hall Farm at Rugeley. This reflects a wider push to encourage more agricultural growers, farmers and producers to use their land for twin purposes, helping generate additional revenue streams, decrease costs, and contribute to the net zero transition on a national level. You can read more about Best and Most Versatile Agricultural Land policy here. 

‘Our freezer system uses a high amount of energy, and investing in solar power is the ideal solution to reduce both our energy costs and carbon footprint,’ said Oliver Brown, Director of Bluebell Dairy. ‘This advancement towards a sustainable future for our business will not only make us more environmentally friendly but also meet the increasing green credentials demanded by our distribution partners, such as the National Trust and National Heritage.’

Take a closer look at the project below.