Our plans
Barnsdale Solar
OnPath Energy is planning a new solar farm just outside of Leeds, between Kippax and Allerton Bywater. The solar farm will have an installed capacity of up to 40MW, generating enough green electricity to power over 13,000 homes each year.
Planning permission was granted for the solar farm in 2021. In May 2023, we submitted a further planning application to host battery storage at the site, which has been withdrawn at the request of Leeds City Council for OnPath to provide additional information.
Take a look at our project timeline to build Barnsdale Solar Farm opposite >
Spring 2024 complete
Pre-commencement site investigation and archaeology works.
Summer 2024 complete
Submission of information to discharge pre-commencement planning conditions.
Late summer / early Autumn 2024 progress
Commencement of development on site access.
Spring 2025
Commencement of solar panel installation.
51GWh/a
potential electricity generated per year
13,997
homes powered by the site each year
377,760
tonnes of CO2 displaced over the lifespan of the project (approx)
3,635+
equivalent number of petrol cars taken off the road due to CO2 savings
£20,000
annual community benefit fund
600+
metres of new hedgerow planting
75%+
biodiversity net gain
Key benefits
Barnsdale Solar Energy Park
At OnPath Energy, we’re powering a more sustainable future through renewable energy. Our projects, like the proposal for Barnsdale Solar Energy Park, will inspire and enable communities, businesses, and landowners to embrace a just transition to net zero. Key benefits include:
- Replaces carbon-intensive gas on the UK energy network
- Reduces the UK’s reliance on imported energy
- Enables more renewables on the grid
- Our plans will boost local biodiversity and habitats
- We will design the project benefits in partnership with the local community
- We will work with local contractors wherever possible during construction
OnPath Energy also operates the nearby Hook Moor Wind Farm at Micklefield which has been providing clean, renewable electricity since 2016. Take a look at the benefits the Hook Moor Wind Farm provides to local residents
Key facts
Playing our part in securing net zero
Potential energy generation:
40MW capacity, enough to supply more than 13,000 homes
Location:
Between Kippax and Allerton Bywater
Size of area:
87.7 hectares
Current land use:
Agriculture
Number of solar panels:
Around 2,900
Land take:
The solar panels would cover approximately 55% of the area of land
Construction period:
Nine months
Economy boost:
The project represents at least £25 million investment
Lifespan:
Up to 40 years in operation
Connection to the grid:
Ledston Primary substation
The site
What it could look like
It’s very important for us to let you know what the proposed development could look like. We have designed the Barnsdale site to ensure that the residential amenity of local residents is minimised.
This image shows what the Barnsdale site could look like from the footpath between Kippax Meadows and southern boundary, from completion, to a projection of 10 years on, as well as what the Barnsdale site could like from Park Lane with a visualisation of the battery storage facility on its own and also a visualisation of the battery storage facility and solar.
Discover more
Read on to discover the plans and wide range of social, economic and environmental benefits Barnsdale Solar Energy Park could bring to the local community, while supporting the UK’s transition to renewable energy.
Project Plan
