Energy developers trial renewable 'hybrid parks' to maximise grid efficiency

Co-location sites, also known as “hybrid parks”, which comprise of both solar and wind energy, are being trialled by numerous green energy developers in order to maximise the capacity of every grid connection. Vattenfall starts construction on its first UK solar project this month, at a wind farm in Wales, which it has operated for 14 years. The company said by co-locating wind with solar energy makes "technical sense", as the solar farm will be able to use the same grid connection that already exists for the wind farm, reducing development and connection costs on the grid, maximising efficiency. In October, Ecotricity announced three new hybrid parks, consisting of wind turbines and solar panels, which it says will provide a more consistent energy supply from the sites.

Vattenfall is to start construction on its first solar project in the UK this month, as part of a pilot project to help the Swedish energy giant maximise the generation potential of its existing UK sites.

The 4.99MW Parc Cynog Solar Farm in Wales is located on the site of an 11-turbine Vattenfall windfarm, which has been in operation for 14 years. Vattenfall said today it expects the new solar array to start generating power in March.

In a statement Vattenfall said co-locating wind with solar power makes “technical sense”, as the wind and sun tend to generate clean power at different times.

Moreover, the solar farm will use the same grid connection as the existing windfarm, reducing grid connection costs.

Co-location sites - also known as “hybrid parks” - are being trialled by a number of green energy firms as developers seek to maximise the capacity of every grid connection.

Last October, Ecotricity announced plans for three new hybrid renewable energy parks featuring a mix of wind and sun generation, to provide a more consistent energy supply from the sites.

Vattenfall added it is conducting a feasibility study into installing a suite of solar panels on local community buildings as part of the Parc Cynog project, at no cost to local residents.