Video: Lightsource bp partners with the Ulster Farmers’ Union in Northern Ireland

Global solar leader Lightsource bp, building on a long history of developing renewable energy projects across the island of Ireland, has announced its new membership of the Ulster Farmers’ Union. We celebrated the partnership with a tour of a solar project for Union Deputy-President John McLenaghan.

Becoming a member of the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is an important demonstration of Lightsource bp’s development ambitions and way of working in Northern Ireland. Partnering with such a renowned stakeholder-led association such the UFU will bring a wide range of benefits for the solar industry. Crucially, it opens the door to conversations around best practice on central issues such as continuing agricultural practices on solar land, and provides a platform for the solar industry to work with farmers to progress the energy transition on a local and national level. This is because best practice is partnering with farmers and farming entities, working together, to deliver sustainable energy solutions that work alongside rural businesses.

The tour took place on Lightsource bp developed and operated project Hillside Solar Farm, in Upper Ballinderry, in Co. Antrim. This 6.5MWdc project is owned by Schroders Greencoat, was developed and constructed by Lightsource bp, and since becoming operational in 2017 has been managed by Lightsource bp’s Operations and Maintenance team.

The site visit included productive discussions with Mr McLenaghan and Lightsource bp team members about the workings of an operational solar farm, the development process, and the ways in which solar contributes positively to farmers and farming businesses, from predictable long-term income to continued agricultural land use. Lightsource bp looks forward to working closely with the Ulster Farmer’s Union in the years to come.