A new 70-acre solar farm has opened in Soham, Cambridgeshire.

The 12MW site contains 45,000 photovoltaic panels and will generate enough electricity to power more than 3,000 homes per year.

Bouygues E&S FM UK, Savills, Local Partnerships and the Low Carbon Contracts Company all partnered with Cambridgeshire County Council to build the large-scale solar farm. Overall, the site will avoid the release of 123,000 tonnes of CO2 over its lifetime.

Cllr Ian Bates said: "When I talk to our communities they are rightly keen that we spend our money wisely and by finding a way to create income, these extra millions can be spent on much used frontline services.

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"This County Council solar park project is a great investment as it means we are producing renewable energy and income while reducing the need either to make cuts or ask our residents to make up the shortfall through additional taxes. But this is just one example of the many things that we are doing to make the best use of our assets."

Keith Pedder, Energy and Engineering Director for Bouygues E&S FM UK, said: "Bouygues Energies & Services are incredibly proud to be supporting Cambridgeshire County Council in the design, installation and maintenance of this significant Renewable Energy generating Solar PV farm. This unique Energy Infrastructure project, drew upon the expertise of both Bouygues and CCC, driving the team to ensure optimal and high efficiency solar generation, thereby providing significant financial return for the County, all wrapped up with Bouygues Energy smart design and full performance guarantee. This truly was a great initiative from CCC and real achievement by all."

(LM)