Elements Green Frequently Asked Questions

Elements Green is an award-winning renewable energy developer and IPP specialising in utility-scale solar PV and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Headquartered in the UK, we operate across three continents — the UK, Europe and Australia.

With a track record of 22 years and a pipeline in excess of 14GW, we partner with landowners, investors, communities and environmental organisations to deliver projects that generate clean power while creating lasting value for the places they inhabit.

Elements Green is a privately held company. For the latest information on ownership and corporate structure, please contact us directly or refer to our published company information.

UK: 7 active projects, over 1GW solar and 1.5GW BESS capacity.
Germany: 13 projects, approx. 3.7GW of battery and solar capacity.
Italy: Battery storage and solar projects across multiple regions.
Australia: A major project of over 700MW solar and 600MW battery storage.

Our projects go beyond energy generation. We integrate biodiversity net gain, meaningful community engagement and compatible land use into every development from day one — not as an afterthought. We work with biodiversity partners on our developments, including the RSPB, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Sherwood Forest Trust and Trent Rivers Trust.

We also manage the entire project lifecycle in-house — from origination and planning through to construction, connection and long-term operation.

We are a growing team working across the UK, Europe and Australia. Visit our People page or contact us to find out about current opportunities.

Yes. Photovoltaic (PV) cells operate on daylight, capturing diffuse light even through cloud cover. Solar panels do not require direct sunshine to generate electricity, and can continue producing power in overcast conditions.

Solar is proven to perform across a wide range of climates — from the UK and Germany, to sunnier markets such as Italy and Australia. Countries with very different weather patterns all generate significant solar power, demonstrating that consistent daylight, rather than constant sunshine, is the key factor.

Interestingly, extreme heat can reduce efficiency. Solar panels perform best in cool, bright conditions rather than very hot weather. While efficiency can be high in spring and autumn, total generation typically peaks in summer months due to longer daylight hours.

Solar farms are widely regarded as one of the safest forms of energy infrastructure. The technology is mature, largely passive, and has a strong safety record globally. There are no combustion processes and no direct emissions during operation, and the panels themselves contain no moving parts.

As with all energy infrastructure, risks such as electrical faults are carefully managed through design, regulation and ongoing monitoring. All our projects are built to meet the relevant local safety and planning standards in each market, with comprehensive site security and continuous performance monitoring in place.

During normal operation, solar panels produce no toxic emissions. Standard silicon-based PV panels are composed primarily of silicon, glass and aluminium, with only small quantities of other metals. These materials are sealed within the panel, meaning they do not pose a risk in normal use.

In this respect, solar panels are similar to many everyday electronic devices, such as mobile phones or televisions, which also contain small amounts of industrial materials that are safely contained during use.

At end of life, panels are subject to an increasing range of recycling and waste management regulations. We work with supply chain partners that meet recognised international standards, including the Solar Stewardship Initiative, to ensure responsible sourcing, handling and disposal.

Modern solar parks are designed to operate for 30–40 years, with many assets capable of being extended or repowered beyond this period. Our lease agreements with landowners are structured accordingly, providing long-term, stable income over decades.

At the end of a project’s life, solar parks can be fully decommissioned. This involves removing equipment and restoring the land, typically back to agricultural use. These requirements are governed by planning and regulatory frameworks, ensuring responsible end-of-life management.

Solar panel recycling is a rapidly developing industry. Materials such as glass, aluminium and silicon can be recovered and reused, with recycling processes continuing to improve as the market grows. Regulatory frameworks across the UK and EU are also strengthening to support responsible end-of-life management.

At the end of a solar park’s operational life, projects are fully decommissioned. This includes removing equipment and ensuring appropriate recycling or disposal, with no cost to the landowner.

In addition, each project is backed by a dedicated decommissioning fund. This is held in escrow — meaning the money is set aside in a secure, independent account that cannot be accessed for any other purpose. The fund is regularly reviewed and topped up over the life of the project to ensure sufficient coverage at all times, and remains in place regardless of any change in ownership.

This structure provides certainty for both local communities and landowners that, when the project ends, the solar park can be fully removed and the land restored to its original agricultural use.

Yes — and in many cases they can work alongside existing land uses. Solar parks are typically developed on lower-grade agricultural land, and are designed to support compatible activities such as sheep grazing and biodiversity enhancement, including wildflower meadow management beneath and around the panels.

Solar parks are a temporary and reversible land use, designed to maintain — and in some cases enhance — soil condition over the life of the project. In many cases, panel mounting structures are installed using driven steel piles rather than concrete foundations, minimising disturbance to the soil and allowing the land to be fully restored at the end of the project.

Sites are often seeded with carefully selected grass and wildflower mixes to support biodiversity both above and below ground — from pollinators and birdlife to soil health. Reduced use of fertilisers and pesticides during this period can also support improvements in soil structure and biodiversity.

We are also actively exploring agrivoltaics — integrating solar generation with crop production — in partnership with leading universities, as part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable land use innovation.

This helps preserve the long-term quality of the land, allowing it to be returned to agricultural use once the solar park is decommissioned.

Solar has become one of the most cost‑effective sources of new energy available globally. On a levelised cost basis, solar power is now often significantly cheaper than new gas generation, while producing no direct emissions during operation. The IEA projects that solar will become the world’s largest source of electricity generation by 2050.

Solar plants also offer stable, long-term investment returns, supported by low operating costs. With no fuel to purchase or transport, minimal water requirements, and no moving parts in the panels themselves, solar assets are inherently simple and efficient to operate.

A battery energy storage system (BESS) is a grid-connected facility that stores electricity and releases it when needed. In the context of renewable energy, BESS helps bridge the gap between when energy is generated — such as when the sun shines or the wind blows — and when it is required.

BESS facilities typically charge during periods of excess generation and discharge rapidly to meet peak demand. In doing so, they help balance supply and demand, improve grid stability, and reduce reliance on fossil fuel peaking plants.

BESS also plays a critical role in reducing energy waste. At times, renewable electricity is generated but cannot be used or transported through the grid, meaning it is curtailed and lost. By storing this surplus energy and releasing it later, BESS ensures more clean power is used rather than wasted.

In simple terms, battery storage is similar to capturing rainwater when it falls and using it when it is needed — making energy systems far more efficient and flexible.

As electricity systems transition toward a greater share of renewable energy, the need for storage is increasing rapidly. BESS supports energy security by providing reliable, responsive power when it is needed most, and is becoming an essential part of modern electricity grids in all the markets we operate in.

Battery energy storage systems are designed with multiple layers of protection and are subject to strict safety standards and regulations. While, like all electrical infrastructure, they carry some level of risk, modern systems are engineered to minimise this and operate safely.

A number of independent safety measures are built into every project:

• Active monitoring: Battery Management Systems (BMS) provide continuous oversight of temperature, voltage and current, automatically isolating equipment if it operates outside safe limits.

• Thermal management: Advanced cooling systems help regulate temperature and significantly reduce the risk of overheating.

• Structural containment: Fire-resistant enclosures and appropriate separation distances are used to contain any potential faults within individual units.

• Early detection and response: Integrated gas and smoke detection systems can trigger automatic shutdowns and fire suppression protocols at an early stage.

In addition, battery systems are designed so that any incident is contained within a single unit, preventing wider impact across the site.

All projects are developed in line with national fire safety standards and best practice guidelines in each market. We also work closely with local fire and emergency services during the design process to ensure appropriate access, response planning and safety measures are in place.

Overall, battery storage sites are designed to be safe, controlled environments, comparable to other well-understood electrical infrastructure such as substations.

Battery energy storage assets offer a range of revenue streams that make them an increasingly attractive investment opportunity. Alongside wholesale power trading, electricity system operators rely on storage to help balance the grid, paying for services that support system stability and flexibility.

Battery storage also plays a critical role in enabling more renewable energy. By storing electricity when supply is high and releasing it when demand increases, BESS helps reduce energy waste and makes power systems more efficient.

As electricity networks transition toward cleaner generation, the need for flexible, responsive infrastructure is growing rapidly. This is driving strong demand for storage across multiple markets, underpinned by supportive regulatory frameworks and long-term structural trends.

In this way, battery storage provides investors with exposure to one of the fastest-growing and most strategically important sectors of the global energy transition.

Battery storage sites have a significantly smaller footprint than solar parks. Typically, sites range from around 5 to 30 acres (2–15 hectares), depending on the scale of the project.

We look for reasonably flat, well-screened land located close to existing electrical infrastructure, usually within a few miles of a suitable substation, to enable efficient grid connection.

Battery storage sites are compact and designed to integrate sensitively into their surroundings, with careful attention to layout, landscaping and access.

We manage the entire project lifecycle in-house — from origination and planning through to construction, grid connection and long-term operation.

A battery energy storage system (BESS) site typically consists of a series of containerised units, similar in size and appearance to standard shipping containers, arranged in rows. These units house the batteries and associated control equipment.

Alongside the battery units, there are supporting components such as inverters, transformers and a grid connection point, all contained within a secure, fenced area.

BESS sites are relatively compact and low in height, and are designed to integrate sensitively into their surroundings. Landscaping and screening — such as planting hedgerows, trees or earth bunds — are commonly used to reduce visual impact.

Access is required for maintenance, but sites are generally unmanned during normal operation and operate quietly, with minimal activity once constructed.

Overall, BESS sites are best thought of as small-scale, well-contained pieces of electrical infrastructure.

Battery storage sites generate a low level of noise, primarily from cooling systems and electrical equipment such as inverters and transformers. However, this is typically comparable to other common electrical infrastructure and is carefully managed through design and layout.

All projects undergo detailed acoustic assessments as part of the planning process to ensure noise levels remain within strict regulatory limits at nearby properties. Mitigation measures — such as equipment selection, acoustic enclosures, and strategic siting — are used where required to minimise any impact.

In residential areas, night-time noise limits are typically in the range of around 35–40 decibels. To put this into context, this is comparable to a quiet library or light rainfall.

Daytime limits are generally higher, but systems are designed to meet the more stringent night-time requirements, ensuring that sites remain quiet and unobtrusive at all times.

As a result, well-designed battery storage sites operate quietly and are not expected to cause disturbance to surrounding communities.

For solar: Landowners with at least 50 acres (20 hectares) of reasonably flat, well-screened land away from large towns. We typically focus on lower-grade agricultural land outside the Green Belt, AONB, SSSI or National Parks.

For battery storage: Between 5 and 30 acres (2–15 hectares), similarly flat and well-screened, and within approximately 5 miles (8km) of an existing electrical substation.

Development risks for landowners are typically low, as we take on the responsibility and cost of progressing a project through development.

We secure and fund all commercial agreements and planning consents, and carry out detailed site assessments to identify any legal, environmental or planning constraints at an early stage. This includes commissioning all required studies, engaging with local authorities, and undertaking community consultation — at no cost to the landowner.

If a project does not proceed, the land simply remains in its existing use. If it is successful, landowners benefit from a long-term, stable income stream with minimal ongoing involvement.

We offer long-term, contracted rental agreements at competitive market rates, providing a stable and predictable income stream over the lifetime of the project.

Unlike traditional farming income, this revenue is not exposed to factors such as weather, pests, commodity prices or input costs, offering greater financial certainty.

Our leases typically run for 30–40 years, creating reliable, long-term income that can support succession planning and provide financial security across generations.

A grid connection allows a solar park or battery storage site to connect to the local electricity network and export or store energy. Securing a connection is a key part of any project and determines how and when electricity can flow to and from the site.

We work closely with the relevant network operators to apply for and secure grid connections, including agreeing the location, capacity and timing of the connection. This process is managed entirely by us as part of the project development.

For landowners, this means there is no need to engage directly with the technical or regulatory process. We handle all aspects of grid connection — from initial application through to construction and energisation — keeping you informed at every stage.

We manage the legal and commercial process in close collaboration with the landowner’s chosen solicitor and land agent, ensuring that all agreements are clear, transparent and structured in the landowner’s best interests.

Elements Green covers the reasonable legal costs associated with putting the agreements in place, removing any upfront burden for the landowner.

From initial agreement through to long-term operation, we oversee the entire project lifecycle — and ensure landowners are kept informed at every stage in straightforward, easy-to-understand terms.

At the end of a solar park’s operational life, the site is fully decommissioned. This involves removing all equipment and infrastructure and restoring the land, typically back to agricultural use.

This process is secured through a dedicated decommissioning fund held in escrow, ensuring that sufficient funds are always available to carry out the works, regardless of ownership changes — with no cost to the landowner.

Solar parks are a temporary and reversible land use, designed to maintain — and in some cases enhance — soil condition over the life of the project. Reduced use of fertilisers and pesticides during this period can support improvements in soil structure and biodiversity.

As a result, the long-term quality of the land is preserved, allowing it to be returned to productive agricultural use once the project ends.

Yes — we encourage landowners to remain engaged throughout the development and construction process.

During the development phase, site visits can be arranged by agreement so you can understand how the project is progressing and ask any questions.

During construction, access is managed in line with health and safety requirements, but visits can still be coordinated with the project team to ensure they are carried out safely.

We maintain regular communication throughout the project, so landowners are always informed and involved at every stage.

Simply get in touch. There is no obligation to proceed, and initial conversations are informal — giving you the opportunity to understand the proposal and ask any questions.

You can contact us via elementsgreen.com/contact, and a member of our team will be happy to discuss your land and guide you through the next steps.

We engage with local communities throughout the planning process through a range of consultation activities, including in-person events, property visits and direct conversations with residents, landowners and local groups. We also spend time on the ground to understand how places are used and valued.

If a project is proposed in your area, you will be notified through the relevant consultation process. We actively encourage feedback, and this is carefully considered as part of the design process.

Community input can help shape key aspects of a project, including site layout, landscaping, access and mitigation measures.

Surface water drainage is a key consideration in the design of any solar park and is assessed in detail as part of the planning process.

Solar parks are typically constructed on grassland with minimal ground sealing, meaning rainwater can continue to infiltrate naturally into the soil rather than running off hard surfaces.

We commission independent hydrological and flood risk assessments for all projects, and design drainage systems to ensure that runoff rates are appropriately managed and do not increase flood risk to surrounding land or watercourses.

All of our projects are designed to deliver meaningful benefits to the communities in which we operate, across every country we work in. This includes dedicated community benefit funding, support for local initiatives, and long-term investment in the surrounding area.

For example, our NG+ community scheme, proposed in connection with the Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park, is designed to provide up to £1 million per year in local funding linked to the project’s operation.

More broadly, our projects create local employment during construction, engage regional suppliers and contractors, enhance biodiversity and green spaces, and contribute to a more resilient and affordable energy system.

During construction, there is a temporary increase in vehicle movements, particularly for the delivery of materials and equipment, and for activities such as cable installation.

As part of the planning process, we prepare detailed Construction Traffic Management Plans in consultation with local highways authorities. These plans set out agreed vehicle routes, delivery timings, and any necessary road or junction improvements.

We also take care to ensure that designated access routes are suitable for construction traffic before use. This can include repairing existing damage such as potholes or strengthening road surfaces where required. Following construction, we ensure routes are maintained and returned to an agreed condition in consultation with the highways authority and local community.

Once operational, solar parks generate very little traffic. There are no daily staff commuting to site, and maintenance visits are infrequent, typically involving only a small number of specialist vehicles.

Biodiversity net gain (BNG) means that development leaves the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was before, with lasting improvements to habitats and wildlife.

At Elements Green, this principle is central to how we design our projects across all the countries in which we operate — not merely a regulatory requirement.

We work with leading environmental organisations and local partners in each of our markets to create connected habitat networks and deliver outcomes that go significantly beyond minimum policy requirements.

In the UK, for example, we collaborate with organisations including the RSPB, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Trent Rivers Trust and Sherwood Forest Trust.

We also support wider knowledge sharing through the free EG Academy, helping to make practical conservation and biodiversity management accessible to both professionals and local communities.

The Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park (GNR) is one of Elements Green’s flagship UK developments — a large-scale solar and battery storage project located to the northwest of Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire.

With a potential generation capacity of 1,100MWp and export of 800MWp of solar power, supported by on-site battery energy storage (up to 440MW / 1760MWh), the project could deliver enough clean electricity to power approximately 400,000 homes. The project would connect into the national grid at Staythorpe substation, a long-established energy hub in the region.

GNR is designed to integrate renewable energy generation with significant environmental and community benefits. Proposals include the planting of approximately 64,500 trees, 50km of new hedgerows, and the creation of new habitats to support biodiversity. In addition, 28 new permissive routes — including footpaths and bridleways — are planned, providing nearly 35km of improved public access to the countryside.

The project also includes our proposed NG+ community scheme, which could deliver up to £1 million per year in locally managed funding over its operational life. Extensive community consultation has been undertaken to help shape the design.

More broadly, GNR reflects the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy system. By generating clean, home-grown electricity, the project would support national net zero targets, strengthen energy security, and continue the area’s long history of power generation in a more sustainable way.

More information can be found at gnrsolarpark.co.uk.

The Staythorpe Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is one of the UK’s largest energy storage projects and a vital part of the transition to a more secure, flexible and low-carbon energy system.

Located near Newark-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire, the project benefits from close proximity to the Staythorpe substation and existing energy infrastructure, making it well-suited for a grid-connected storage facility.

With a capacity of up to 360MW / 720MWh, the site will be capable of storing enough electricity to power more than 95,000 homes for a full day. Construction began in 2025, with the project expected to become operational in 2027.

Staythorpe BESS will play a key role in strengthening the electricity grid by storing renewable energy and supplying it when it is needed most, helping to improve system stability and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The project also delivers local benefits, including job creation during construction and biodiversity enhancements, such as new woodland, wildflower meadow and tree planting across the site.

More broadly, Staythorpe BESS forms part of our UK pipeline of energy storage assets, supporting the growth of renewable energy and helping to build a more resilient energy system for the future.

The Bolney Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is part of Elements Green’s UK portfolio and a key contribution to a more secure, flexible and low-carbon energy system.

Located near Wineham in West Sussex, adjacent to National Grid’s Bolney substation, the project benefits from strong grid connectivity and is well-positioned to support the UK’s growing renewable energy network.

With a capacity of approximately 148.8MW and a four-hour duration, Bolney BESS will store electricity when supply is high and release it when demand increases, helping to stabilise the grid and ensure reliable power. The project received planning consent in 2024 and is expected to be operational in 2027.

In addition to supporting the electricity system, the project will include biodiversity and landscape enhancements, along with opportunities for local employment during construction and operation.

Bolney BESS forms part of our broader pipeline of energy storage projects, helping to enable greater use of renewable energy and strengthen long-term energy resilience in the UK.

The Newarthill Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a large-scale energy storage project being developed by Elements Green in Scotland and forms part of the company’s growing portfolio of strategically located battery storage assets across the UK.

Located near Motherwell, the project is designed as a 300MW battery storage facility with an initial two-hour duration and the potential to expand to four hours in the future. The site has planning consent and will connect directly to the transmission network via an adjacent 275kV substation, enabling it to play an important role in supporting the reliability and flexibility of the UK electricity system.

Newarthill occupies a strategically important location within Scotland’s transmission network, an area characterised by high levels of renewable energy generation and increasing demand for network flexibility. As more renewable electricity is generated, large-scale battery storage projects help store excess power when supply is abundant and release it when demand increases, reducing pressure on the grid and improving overall system stability.

The project is expected to help alleviate network constraints that can limit the transmission of renewable electricity from Scotland to demand centres elsewhere in the UK. By absorbing surplus renewable generation during periods of congestion and supplying electricity back to the network when required, Newarthill will support greater renewable energy integration while reducing reliance on fossil fuel generation.

Elements Green acquired the project from Geocore in 2025 as part of its strategy to build a portfolio of large-scale, transmission-connected energy storage assets in key grid locations. Energisation is currently targeted for 2029.

Once operational, Newarthill will contribute to a more flexible, resilient and low-carbon electricity system, supporting the UK’s energy transition and helping to maximise the benefits of renewable energy generation.

The Alfstedt Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is one of Elements Green’s flagship projects in Germany and forms part of a major programme to develop large-scale energy storage infrastructure across the country.

Located in Lower Saxony, Alfstedt is designed as a 400MW battery storage facility with a capacity of up to 1.6GWh, making it one of the largest projects of its kind in Germany. The system is based on a four-hour duration model, enabling it to store significant volumes of electricity and release it when demand is highest.

The project will play an important role in strengthening Germany’s electricity grid by supporting the integration of renewable energy, improving system flexibility, and helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Alfstedt forms part of a broader pipeline of battery storage projects being developed by Elements Green in Germany, with multiple sites progressing toward construction and grid connection. This portfolio represents a significant investment in the country’s energy transition and long-term energy security.

The Stadorf Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is one of Elements Green’s most significant energy storage projects in Germany and forms part of the company’s growing portfolio of large-scale battery storage developments across Europe.

Located in northern Germany, Stadorf is being developed as a 400MW battery storage facility with a total capacity of 1.6GWh, making it one of the largest battery energy storage projects currently in development in Germany. Designed with a four-hour duration, the system will be capable of storing large volumes of electricity and releasing it when demand is highest, helping to improve grid stability and maximise the value of renewable energy generation.

Elements Green has partnered with Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology, to deliver the project. Envision will provide an integrated storage solution based on its latest Generation 8 battery platform and AI-powered Future Energy System technology, combining advanced battery performance with intelligent grid integration capabilities.

The project will play an important role in supporting Germany’s energy transition by enabling greater integration of renewable energy, increasing power system flexibility and strengthening energy security. As more renewable generation connects to the grid, large-scale storage projects such as Stadorf help ensure electricity can be stored when supply is abundant and delivered when it is needed most.

Stadorf also demonstrates Elements Green’s commitment to working with leading technology partners to develop high-quality, long-life infrastructure that meets Germany’s rigorous technical and regulatory standards. Together, Elements Green and Envision are helping to build a more flexible, resilient and low-carbon energy system for Germany and Europe.

NG+ is Elements Green’s proposed community benefit programme linked to the Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park. It is designed to provide up to £1 million per year in locally managed funding over the life of the project, supporting initiatives that deliver lasting value to surrounding communities.

The scheme focuses on five key areas: environment, education, wellbeing, food security and energy efficiency. Through these, NG+ aims to support projects such as biodiversity enhancement, skills and training opportunities, improvements to local amenities, and initiatives that reduce energy costs and support vulnerable households.

NG+ is designed to go further than many comparable schemes in both scale and local accountability, with funding directed toward priorities identified in collaboration with local communities.

Early-stage funding has already supported a range of community initiatives — from school projects and village facilities to local environmental and wellbeing programmes — demonstrating a commitment to delivering benefits from the outset.

More information can be found at ngplus.uk.

EG Academy is Elements Green’s dedicated education and training platform, focused on building the next generation of talent in renewable energy.
It is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to participate in the transition to renewable energy.

The platform offers free, CPD-accredited online courses covering key areas of the industry, including project development, design and engineering, and corporate services. Courses are developed and delivered by experienced industry professionals and are suitable for a wide range of backgrounds and career stages.

EG Academy focuses on making learning accessible and practical, providing pathways into sustainable careers through training, skills development and industry insight. Participants can complete courses at their own pace and receive certification upon completion.

More information, including access to courses, can be found at EGacademy.co.uk.