Project Summary
A project to develop a 6.5MW solar farm on 11 acres of land on the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity’s (GWAAC) airbase in South Gloucestershire.
The project proposed using charity land for a renewable energy project to provide recurring, sustainable income for GWAAC. Surplus revenue from energy generation would be split between community benefit and supporting GWAAC to reduce their organisation’s carbon emissions.
The project was awarded grants from the Government’s Community Energy Fund through the South West Net Zero Hub to fund Stage 1 (Feasibility) and Stage 2 (Development) and is currently awaiting planning permission.
Background
In 2024 a Community Energy Fund stage 1 grant was awarded for a comprehensive feasibility study into the development of a solar farm at the airbase.
Following the feasibility study, a community partner, Bristol Energy Co-operative (BEC) was secured to take the project through the next steps of development and lead on the successful CEF Stage 2 bid.
In 2025 a stage 2 grant for development of the project was awarded with the aim of:
- Installing a 5.4MW ground-mounted solar array at the GWAAC airbase
- Generating 5,616 MWh annually, with power exported via Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
- Potential for private wire supply for an EV charging station and future electric aviation
- Supporting community ownership and local energy resilience
Our Role
In 2024 GWAAC was awarded a CEF Stage 1 (feasibility) grant funding of £39,534. In 2025 the project was awarded a CEF Stage 2 (development) grant funding of £100,000. Throughout the process support has been provided by the South West Net Zero Hub.
Location
South Gloucestershire
Results
- The feasibility study found that the land is highly suitable for a 5MW solar farm.
- The project secured BEC as a community partner, to take the project through the next steps of development.
- The project was awarded a CEF stage 2 grant in 2025
- Grid connection is likely to be accepted. The project is in close contact with National Grid and hope that recent changes to their queue management system will enable a 5MW project to go ahead without unnecessary delay.
Lessons learnt
- Responses to a community engagement survey were lower than expected despite an incentive being offered. A decision was made to carry out face-to-face engagement in the local area using door knocking resulting in more responses to the survey.
- Careful handling of the planning application was factored into the Stage 2 project plan, to include community engagement events held at the air base
Community Benefits
Once developed, the solar farm will provide:
- A long-term income stream for GWAAC, helping to fund the lifesaving service relied on by so many people
- Reducing carbon emissions for the organisation
- Investors in the project, through Bristol Energy Cooperative, will have an ethical home for their money and receive an annual payment.
- A grant fund, available through BEC for local organisations to bid into, providing support for small organisations locally.
- The project will develop plans to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain
Next Steps
An update on planning permission is expected soon.
The opportunities for a private wire from the solar farm to supply a public EV charging Hub continue to be explored.
BEC will lead on the next phase of the project, ensuring community ownership and benefits for local communities as well as GWAAC.
Key Facts
| Community Group | Great Western Air Ambulance Charity and Bristol Energy Co op |
| Energy generation/saving | Potential clean energy generation 5,616 MWh annually |
| Timeline | To be confirmed |
| Project value | £139,534 |
| Project website | www.greatwesternairambulance.com |
Banner image credit: Bristol Energy Co op