England Could Ban Solar Panels from 58% of its Farmland

­There’s an interesting battle going on in England right now between renewable energy and agricultural proponents.

Many would argue that the two aren’t mutually exclusive, but for others, renewable energy – specifically, solar power -- is an implicit threat to English farmland. Thus, the new environment secretary’s move to keep solar panels off nearly 60% of England’s agricultural land.

The newly installed environment secretary, Ranil Jayawardena, has made it very clear that solar panels on farmland contradicts his program of growth and food production.

To that end, he’s asked officials to adjust the definition of “best and most versatile” land (BMV) to include 3b, a move which would keep solar panels off 41% of England’s land area and about 58% of agricultural land.

As The Guardian points out, land is currently graded from 1-5, and that which rates BMV – currently 1 to 3a – is generally reserved specifically for agricultural development, not solar panels.

And apparently, most new solar farms in development are planned for 3b land, so not only would the redefinition keep solar off 58% of England’s agricultural land, but it would put a temporary halt to nearly all new solar activities.

Funny enough, it was Ranil, himself, who stated back in a May blog post that “Economic growth and respect for our planet are by no means two opposites.” However, his recent comments pertaining to “growth” are a direct reference to his supporters’ (and the PM’s) specific characterization of “anti-growth” factions (including green campaigners).

Unsurprisingly, solar proponents are horrified at Secretary Jayawardena’s actions.

Chris Hewett, chief executive of the trade association Solar Energy UK, stated that “The UK solar sector is alarmed by attempts to put major planning rules in the way of cheap, homegrown energy. Solar power is the answer to so many needs and policy demands….”

“It would be odd to redefine ‘best and most versatile’ agricultural land to include soils that aren’t of high quality, just to block solar farms,” said Dustin Benton, policy director at the thinktank Green Alliance.

England’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has merely responded that its prospective actions are in-line with their efforts to balance economic growth with respect for the environment.