Conrad Energy Completes Larport Solar Farm to Power BNP Paribas' UK Operations

Conrad Energy has started producing power at the Herefordshire solar farm at Larport, which is expected to produce 40,000 MWh of renewable electricity each year for BNP Paribas, equivalent to powering 11,000 homes.

BNP Paribas, a founding member of the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, will use the solar farm's energy to decarbonize its UK operations. Over its 40-year lifecycle, the farm is anticipated to save around 375,000 tons of carbon energy.

The Larport community was actively involved with the project. Not only did they propose using the site for a solar farm, but they were also consulted during the farm's design stage. 

Sited on a flood plain, the land that now houses the solar farm was deemed unsuitable for arable use. However, because of this project, the site's biodiversity net gain is estimated to be well over 100%. To achieve these results, Conrad Energy infilled existing hedgerows, planted ten rare native black poplars, and created nearly 100 acres of native wildflower grassland using a specially curated wildflower seed mix. 

To reciprocate the community's support, Conrad Energy also made improvements to two local educational institutions. The Mordiford Church of England Primary School received a safeguarding upgrade and rooftop solar panels to reduce its energy costs, and the Royal National College for the Blind now has a new sensory garden and received upgrades to its working garden.