At Bristol Energy Cooperative we have been developing and operating community-owned solar projects in Bristol & South Gloucestershire since 2011. Recently, in response to the climate and nature emergencies, we have been seeking new opportunities to scale up community energy in our local area.

GWAAC has been exploring opportunities to use its Almondsbury airbase to generate renewable energy, create a sustainable income stream for the charity and contribute to carbon reduction goals.

In 2024, we partnered with GWAAC to cover the entire rooftop of the airbase with solar panels. Since then, both BEC and GWAAC have been keen to explore opportunities for a community-owned solar farm at the site. The aim is to develop a project that is good for the planet, supports GWAAC by providing reliable income and benefits the local community.

Solar is a great fit here as the fields are south-facing and hidden from most local views by the shape of the land. The land is of relatively low agricultural quality and, due to its position next to the helicopter take off area, would not be suitable for other uses such as livestock or housing.

We’ve carried out feasibility studies, secured a grid connection and carried out ecology surveys. We’ve also commissioned further detailed studies which are now underway. These will provide further information on various aspects including ecology, landscape/visual and flood risk.

Our estimated timeline is to submit a planning application towards the end of this year, with a view to construction in 2026.

Bristol Energy Cooperative is proposing to fund the project through community fundraising and ethical loans. There will be an opportunity for local people to invest in the cooperative in the form of community shares or bonds. Each person who invests in a share raise becomes a part owner of BEC’s projects and has an equal say in how the cooperative is run.

We’re not currently running a share offer however we hope to do so soon. Please see the Contact page for details of how to receive updates.

As a community energy project, we will be aiming to maximise the local benefits. As well as providing community investors with a small return, we estimate the project will generate around £560,000 in community benefit payments over the next 40 years! Half of this will be directed to support GWAAC’s critical care services, with the remainder available for community benefit more widely.

Since 2011, with the support of over 2,000 members, we have raised over £15 million and installed more than 12 MW of solar PV. This includes rooftop solar at community centres & care homes, and ground-mounted solar installations similar to the proposed project, such as our solar farm in Lawrence Weston.

The electricity generated will connect straight into the electrical grid. We are currently exploring options for selling the electricity over the grid to local homes or businesses, which may allow consumers to save on their energy bills when the project is generating. There are some complex challenges around this to do with sector regulations, but we’ll be doing our best to find a solution if we can, as we feel this would be a perfect fit for community energy.

We expect the project to have an operational lifetime of around 40 years.

Visibility will be very limited from the north due to the shape of the land and existing trees and hedgerows. Additional planting along the brow of the hill will help screen the site further, whilst also providing valuable new habitats for wildlife.

We expect construction noise levels to be relatively low, as solar panel frames are typically driven into the soil rather than piled. Construction traffic will be carefully considered as part of the Construction Traffic Management Plan during the planning process.

During operation, the solar farm will be extremely quiet. Ongoing maintenance will typically involve only occasional visits by technicians.

The land will be managed to support biodiversity, including wildflower planting and habitat corridors for pollinators and small mammals. A large additional hedgerow has also been proposed to help improve biodiversity net gain and improve wildlife corridors across the site. A Landscape and Ecological Management Plan is currently being prepared, which will set out a strategy for improving and supporting the local environment.

No. The layout avoids the FATO (Final Approach and Take-Off) zone, and we’ve worked closely with GWAAC and helicopter operators to ensure full safety. Matte panels are designed to absorb – not reflect – sunlight, and glint and glare assessments will be undertaken to ensure that there is no risk to aviation or traffic.

We are holding a public drop-on consultation event at the airbase on 16th September. Please see the Home page for more information. We are also engaging directly with local organisations, including attendance at meetings with Almondsbury residents and Almondsbury Parish Council.

We welcome any feedback or questions you may have - please see the Contact page for details of how to get in touch.

We are grateful to have received grants to support the feasibility and development phases of the project. Including: The Local Energy Scheme (LES) funded by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. The Community Energy Fund (CEF), funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and supported by the South West Net Zero Hub.