Ockenden Solar Employing a multi-disciplinary approach during the construction of Europe’s largest on-landfill solar farm

Ockenden Solar Farm is a 59 MWp development consisting of around 108,800 bi-facial solar modules. It is located on a 201 acre (81-hectare) closed landfill site. By developing the solar farm, NTR has been able to take an area of previously unusable land and use it to contribute significantly to the sustainability goals of the Fund, the site and the region at large. 

What was the aim of the work? 

Natural Power initially provided technical due diligence on the acquisition of the project. It was then engaged by the client to provide construction management services (CMS), project safety reviews and principal designer role throughout the pre-commencement, construction, project takeover and snagging phases of the development.  

The project 

To carry out the successful execution of a solar farm projects a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach is usually required. This project drew upon a wide range of Natural Power’s capabilities to deliver a state-of-the-art solar farm construction project on a challenging site. The Natural Power team was able to leverage CMS, grid connection expertise, rigorous health and safety audits, and resident engineer services to achieve fantastic results for the client and relevant stakeholders, demonstrating its capacity to overcome complex challenges. 

What was the outcome? 

Natural Power, acting in a project management role, provided a full scope of technical advisory services for grid connection and CMS. Its involvement led to the successful commission of the solar farm in early 2024 and is expected to generate electricity equivalent to the demand of over 17,000 homes.  

What did Natural Power do to get this result? 

Pre-Construction Services 

The team played an important role by providing input and support during some of the contract negotiations.  Its involvement in the pre-construction phase yielded substantial benefits for the solar farm project, harmonizing contractor programs, and leading to the successful management of construction interfaces. Being proactive here reduced the likelihood of disputes and delays but also enhanced overall project efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

Construction Management Services 

The project management and principal designer team planned and coordinated each phase of the construction process, from site preparation to installation of services and associated infrastructure. This involved resource allocation, scheduling, and subcontractor coordination. The team ensured that the project adhered to strict timelines and budgets, guaranteeing an efficient construction progress, stakeholder satisfaction and positive engagement the landowner. 

Grid Connection Services 

Grid connection is a critical aspect of any solar farm project. Natural Power’s electrical engineering team played a pivotal role in designing and implementing a seamless grid connection strategy for this unique project. They engaged with local utilities, navigated regulatory requirements, and managed the integration of the solar farm into the existing electrical grid which required a 132KV/90MW substation connected via a 5.2km underground cable to the Warley substation. It was further complicated with the requirement to develop a shared substation that controls the export of power from both the Ockendon and adjacent solar farms. 

Natural Power’s collaborative approach ensured compliance with grid connection operation conditions, minimized downtime, and maximized the solar farm's energy output. 

Health and Safety Audits

Safety is paramount in the construction of solar farms. Natural Power’s HSEQ team conducted rigorous health and safety and heavy lift audits throughout the project lifecycle. They introduced and enforced the adherence to safety protocols, ensuring that workers and the environment were protected. By proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks, the team assisted the Principal Contractors in fostering and maintaining a robust culture of responsibility among all stakeholders. 

Client Feedback

“NTR are once again delighted to have partnered with Natural Power Consultants in the pre-construction, construction and commissioning works of this 58MWp Ockendon solar farm and associated 90MW 132KV substation – a complicated project that incorporated the very unique environment of a closed landfill, a shared 132KV substation and taking into consideration the development of the Lower Thames Crossing motorway adjacent to the site. 

Natural Power provided expert, professional and dedicated support throughout the development, construction and commissioning of this project and its success is a testament to their contribution.”