Ovesco is a Sussex based non-profit community energy organisation. We envision a future where 100% of our energy needs are generated locally from renewable sources.
The Project
Ouse Valley Solar Farm is a community renewable energy project being developed near Ringmer by Ovesco, a non-profit community energy organisation based in Lewes.
The solar farm will generate clean electricity while delivering long-term benefits for the local community.
The project will be owned by the members of a Community Benefit Society, including local residents and people across the UK who want to support community energy.
Once the solar farm has covered its costs and begins generating surplus income, that surplus will go into a Community Benefit Fund supporting local projects.
Key Facts
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Community-owned renewable energy project
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Located on land east of Uckfield Rd (A26), Ringmer, East Sussex
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Around 17MW of solar generation capacity
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Equivalent electricity to power around 4,000 homes
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Designed to deliver significant biodiversity improvements
Find out more about the project, how community energy works, and how local people can benefit.
I am writing as policy Director on behalf of Greenpeace UK in support of this proposed solar farm. It is vitally important in the context of climate change, sky-high fossil fuel prices that cheap renewable power is delivered to the UK. Solar power is one of those sources that can do that.
We are in a climate emergency – as I write record spring temperatures are threatening livelihoods and food production across India and Pakistan. Carbon Brief have calculated that new solar (and wind) are six times cheaper than running existing gas plant to provide our electricity. Greenpeace support this application.
#SupportOVSF on Twitter for @OVESCO
As an enthusiastic supporter of community energy schemes, I am writing in support of the proposed Ouse Valley Solar Farm. Not only should this be seen as a small but important contribution to addressing today’s Climate Emergency, but there are wider implications to be considered.
With the world’s attention focused on Ukraine, the importance of energy security has been powerfully reinforced. This is as relevant at the local level as it is nationally. A 17MW solar farm will make a significant contribution to local energy needs.
I read the summary of the proposal, and am impressed by the thought that has gone into ensuring benefits for the wider community over and above the electricity generated.
The Biodiversity Net Gain commitments are particularly important in such a beautiful part of the world, and I was impressed by ideas regarding the extension and repair of the existing hedgerows.
For schemes of this kind to succeed, with full community support, they need to be designed with maximum attention to local features and conservation concerns. That would clearly appear to be the case here.
About us
Ovesco (Ouse Valley Energy Services Company) is a non-profit community energy organisation based in Lewes.
Since 2007 Ovesco has worked with local communities, schools, businesses and organisations to develop renewable energy projects and reduce carbon emissions.
Ovesco’s aim is simple: to help communities generate their own clean energy and keep the benefits local.
