Purpose

This
report propose a strategic collaboration between Source Galileo and Dorset
Council to shape a transformational and innovative approach to advance the
development of onshore renewable and clean energy projects on council-owned
land and property.

Content

That authority be
delegated to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Cabinet
Member for Assets, Property and Economic Development and Corporate
Director Finance & Commercial (s151 Officer) interim to:

 

(i)   
Progress
the Solar PV opportunity at Higher South Buckland Farm.

(ii)  
Work
with SSEN to secure a grid connection to enable future deployment with the next
24 months.

(iii) Enter a strategic partnership with Source Galileo to advance the project.

The project
supported Dorset Council’s net zero goals and offered early delivery potential,
directly contributing to the intersecting clean energy and Weymouth
regeneration ambitions of the Council Plan and our climate and economy
strategies.

 

Reason for the decision

 

To advance the
Higher South Buckland Farm, Solar PV by securing a grid connection and enter into
an agreement through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Source Galileo
to advance this renewable energy project. The County Farm presented a strategic
opportunity for renewable energy deployment. Securing grid access and
exclusivity would enable Dorset Council to move forward with a 50MW solar PV
project. This supported the Council’s net zero goals and offered a quicker win
in the regeneration programme.