FCC Environment, subsidiary of FCC Servicios Medio Ambiente and leading waste management and recycling company in the UK, together with low-carbon power generator Infinis have commenced construction of a new landfill solar park in Boston, Lincolnshire (United Kingdom). Once completed, the solar park will generate around 10,500 MWh of renewable energy each year, enough electricity to power around 2,900 homes. The solar park is due to energise in June 2024. 

The project is located on a site of over 12 ha and is being developed in line with Environment Agency-approved methodologies in order to promote biodiversity and plans to:

• Introduce a range of new, high-value habitats, including coastal meadow grassland, native woodland, and native scrub with a diverse mix of species.
• Provide enhanced nesting and foraging opportunities for birds.
• Provide refuge and breeding opportunities for reptiles and amphibians, including the provision of safe spaces for them to hibernate over winter.
• Re-locate orchids, ensuring that they are not harmed.

To protect the existing landfill cap engineering, a large proportion of the solar foundations will be above ground and use recycled aggregate. Ethical Power is the principal contractor for the development, with National Grid Electricity Distribution delivering the grid works.

Repurposing backfilled landfills gives new life to land that would be unsuitable for housing and other uses, ensuring its positive contribution to the country. Moreover, by providing renewable electricity to the local grid infrastructure, the park will contribute towards the UK Government meeting its Net Zero ambitions and goals, as well as its targeted five-fold increase in solar generation by 2035. With a significant number of other sites moving through the planning process, this project marks the start of a wider partnership that aims to develop a portfolio of solar energy projects in landfills all over the UK.

FCC Environment UK is present in the United Kingdom since 1989 where it serves nearly 19 million people and carries out activities such waste collection, recycling, treatment and energy recovery, street cleansing, ground maintenance and facility management, among others.