{"id":435629,"date":"2024-10-29T10:04:57","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T10:04:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lightsourcebp.staging.1int.co.uk\/news\/wool-quality-and-sustainability-insights-from-lightsource-bps-wellington-solar-farm\/"},"modified":"2024-11-04T09:07:03","modified_gmt":"2024-11-04T09:07:03","slug":"wool-quality-and-sustainability-insights-from-lightsource-bps-wellington-solar-farm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lightsourcebp.staging.1int.co.uk\/nz\/news\/wool-quality-and-sustainability-insights-from-lightsource-bps-wellington-solar-farm\/","title":{"rendered":"Wool quality and sustainability: Insights from Lightsource bp\u2019s Wellington solar farm\u202f"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Wool quality and sustainability: Insights from Lightsource bp\u2019s Wellington solar farm\u202f<\/h1>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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In a step forward for sustainable farming practices, Lightsource bp has seen promising results from the second round of wool testing at its Wellington solar farm<\/a>, in New South Wales, Australia.<\/strong> The study, conducted by EMM Consulting, with support from Elders Rural Services, examined the potential benefits of co-locating sheep grazing and solar energy generation.<\/p>\n

Through comparisons of two groups of merino sheep \u2013 one group grazed in a regular paddock and the other at the Wellington solar farm \u2013 the findings suggest that the co-location of solar farming with sheep grazing is not negatively impacting wool production, even in the case of pre-existing high-quality standards. Some parameters even indicate an improvement in wool quality, although conclusive benefits require further long-term measurement.<\/p>\n

Brendan Clarke, interim Head of Env Planning Aus & NZ, at Lightsource bp said: \u201cFinding ways for agriculture and clean energy to work together is crucial for a more sustainable future. The promising results from this study indicate that we are on the right path, and working closely with farmers to grow our knowledge in this area is paramount.\u201d<\/p>\n

Emilien Simonot, Head of Agrivoltaics EMEA, at Lightsource bp, said: \u201cThese results are very encouraging and highlight the potential for solar farms to complement agricultural practices. By integrating sheep farming with solar energy production, we can achieve dual benefits of sustainable energy together with agricultural output.”<\/p>\n

The study results are summarised in the table below.<\/p>\n\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Sheep grazing and solar \u2013 a sustainable future for farming<\/h2>\n

While it is important to note that the study at the Wellington solar farm is ongoing, it is another indication that solar farms can offer a conducive environment for sheep farming, benefiting both renewable energy production and agricultural activities. By co-locating grazing with renewable energy, land can remain in agricultural use, offering farmers additional revenue while contributing to cleaner energy for the planet.<\/p>\n

Lightsource bp is committed to promoting the growth and accessibility of solar power across the world, benefiting people, local communities and the planet.<\/p>\n\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Learn more about agrivoltaics <\/h2>\n
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Solar farms can grow more than electricity. Agrivoltaics (agriculture + \u201cphotovoltaics\u201d) places crops or livestock underneath and between rows of solar panels. While researchers are trialling how to grow fruit and vegetable crops at scale, the most common and successful forms of agrivoltaics at solar projects currently are sheep grazing and bee keeping. These practices keep the land in agriculture while providing additional revenue for our farmer partners and ecosystem benefits to the environment.<\/p>\n

Learn more about Lightsource bp\u2019s agrivoltaics activity.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n

\n Explore agrivoltaics<\/span> <\/svg><\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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Latest news<\/h3>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
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03 Aug, 2025<\/p>\n \n

K\u014dwhai Park solar farm reaches \u2018Golden Row\u2019 milestone, marking major step in delivery<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n

Construction of one of New Zealand\u2019s largest solar projects has reached a major milestone, with the installation of the first row of solar panels at K\u014dwhai Park solar farm.<\/p>\n

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24 Oct, 2024<\/p>\n \n

bp completes acquisition of Lightsource bp<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n

bp has completed its acquisition of the remaining 50.03% interest in Lightsource bp.<\/p>\n

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27 Aug, 2024<\/p>\n \n

New Zealand: K\u014dwhai Park solar farm breaks ground<\/h5>\n <\/a>\n

We\u2019re pleased to share that our K\u014dwhai Park solar farm in Christchurch, New Zealand, has officially broken ground following the project\u2019s successful financial close.<\/p>\n

Read Story <\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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