The council's commitment to a greener county is bolstered by these new O&M contracts, designed to support the long-term performance of its large-scale solar energy assets. The approved procurement aims to maximise electricity generation, minimise operational downtime, and safeguard the income derived from the council-owned renewable energy infrastructure.
These forthcoming contracts will encompass essential activities such as routine inspections, performance monitoring, fault repairs, and comprehensive site management. The goal is to ensure both solar farms, located near Soham, operate safely, remain compliant with regulations, and function with peak efficiency. A unified procurement process for both sites is anticipated to yield better value for money and attract significant market interest, while individual contracts will be maintained for each solar farm. The estimated value of these new contracts over their full term is approximately £4.4 million.
Triangle Solar Farm, the council's inaugural large-scale solar facility, has been operational since 2017. This 12MW site produces roughly 13 million kWh of electricity annually, sufficient to power approximately 3,000 homes. In the 2025-26 financial year, it generated around £780,000 in net revenue, contributing to council services.
North Angle Solar Farm, situated on adjacent land, commenced electricity generation in November 2024. With a capacity of 29.4MW, this site is capable of meeting the annual electricity needs of about 12,000 households. Since its activation, it has generated £4 million for the council and supplies power directly to the Swaffham Prior Heat Network energy centre.
Both solar farms were initially developed and are currently managed by Equans. Their existing O&M contracts are set to expire in early 2028, presenting an opportune moment to consolidate procurement strategies across the neighbouring sites, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of service.
Councillor Ros Hathorn, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council's Environment and Green Investment Committee, highlighted the significance of these facilities. "Our council-owned solar farms are making an important contribution to Cambridgeshire's climate ambitions, generating low-carbon electricity while supporting environmental improvements and habitat creation," she stated. "Triangle Solar Farm has demonstrated how renewable energy can deliver both environmental and financial benefits for local communities, while North Angle Solar Farm is building on that success at an even greater scale."
Councillor Hathorn further emphasised the strategic importance of the new arrangements: "By putting the right operation and maintenance arrangements in place, we can protect the long-term performance of these sites, helping us tackle climate change, restore nature and generate income that can be reinvested into frontline council services."
Beyond electricity generation, North Angle Solar Farm features community-accessible green spaces, woodland, and orchards. Both solar farms actively contribute to the council's net zero targets and broader environmental objectives, fostering the recovery and diversification of natural habitats across the sites, which in turn supports thriving birdlife and other wildlife.
These solar farms are integral to the council's wider energy project portfolio, which also includes the Swaffham Prior Heat Network and smart energy grids at the St Ives and Babraham Road Park & Ride locations.
