MoD submits Bassingbourn Barracks solar farm plans

The MoD said the proposed solar farm could meet 35% of the barracks annual energy demands

A solar farm at a military barracks could reduce carbon emissions equal to taking 650 cars off the road, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.

Plans to build the facility at Bassingbourn Barracks have been submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council.

The MoD said it could provide 35% of the site's energy, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources of power.

It is expected to have a lifespan of 25 to 35 years.

The proposed solar farm would be part of a wider project by the Army to improve energy resilience and reduce energy consumption.

Ground-mounted solar panels would cover an area of 2.98 hectares (7.36 acres) within the military base, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Documents submitted to the district council said: "The MoD has identified a need to deliver photovoltaic arrays across the Army estate.

"This scheme intends to make a significant positive environmental impact and contribute to the reduction of imported energy consumption, providing energy resilience."