Multi-million-pound deal struck to ensure ‘only British steel’ used on major solar project

A multi-million pound partnership deal has been struck by the developer of a major solar farm project which will exclusively see British steel used during construction.

The team behind the Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park, Elements Green, has announced a new partnership with Pro Renewables, which they hope will create more jobs and reduce the project’s carbon footprint.

If approved, the solar park plans would see around 1.5m panels built on farmland surrounding villages to the north of Newark, something developers say would produce enough clean energy to power every home in Nottinghamshire.

An estimated 32,655 tonnes of steel would be used for the site — enough to stretch 6,637 miles, or the equivalent distance from London to Kuala Lumpur.

Project director, Mark Noone, said: “This partnership means the Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park would be the largest solar development in the UK to use mounting frames constructed using only British steel.

“Not only does the deal with Pro Renewables mean we are committed to using only steel made in the UK, but British labour will be utilised to manufacture our mounting frames — creating new job opportunities in Newark and Sherwood.

“These are part of our wider commitment to ensure that the benefits of the development can be felt in more ways than just cheaper bills and a healthier planet.

“We are determined that the site will leave a positive legacy — be it in the local economy or the environment — and this partnership is further evidence that the project will enhance this area.”

The steel will be produced at a UK electric arc furnace due to come online in 2027, when construction on the park is scheduled to commence. Although, solar panels will still be built in Asia.

Mr Noone said that using British steel would enhance the project’s eco-credentials, adding: “Using electric arc furnaces will substantially lower carbon emissions during the steel’s production, as blast furnaces are among the largest emitters of carbon.

“Buying British means not importing steel, which helps reduce the project’s carbon footprint in the transportation of materials, which will lead to significant savings throughout the process.

“UK energy bill reduction is harder to achieve if we don’t purchase Asian solar modules, however, UK steel is competitive for manufacturing mounting frames.

“This helps us strike the balance between backing British business and bringing down energy bills.”

It is estimated that the full project will create 400 jobs during the construction phase. The new partnership with Pro Renewables will lead to a further ten roles due to onsite manufacturing, with the company training recruits from the Nottinghamshire area as part of that process.

“Pro Renewables is delighted to partner with Elements Green on the Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park Project,” said Brian McGhee, the company’s managing director.

“We are working together to develop innovative solutions to manufacture the solar frames required for such a significant project.

“By using British steel together with advanced manufacturing, we can significantly reduce the project’s carbon footprint while reducing the number of vehicle movements required which will benefit local towns and villages.

“Wherever possible we will look to the local workforce to recruit and train employees to be involved in the manufacture and construction of the solar frames for the project.”

Elements Green have also recently taken steps to improve biodiversity following concern about loss of wildlife habitats and the natural environment.

The plans currently in the pre-application stage and are officially due to be submitted in late summer 2025. A second round of consultations will take place in the new year.

If approved, construction could begin in 2027, with the park expected to be operational two years later.