Issue evaluation

Pre-release resource (written for this paper; a fictional place): The Kelmer Solar Farm proposal. Kelmer is a market town of 18,000 people in lowland southern England. An energy company has applied to build a 120-hectare solar farm on grade 3 farmland 2 km east of the town. It would generate enough electricity for 30,000 homes. The company offers £60,000 a year to a community fund and 4 permanent jobs (150 during the 9-month construction). Sheep could graze between the panels. Local farmer Ruth Okafor says: 'We need to grow food, not panels.' A youth climate group says: 'The UK must reach net zero by 2050 — this is our chance to help.' Residents near the site worry about views and construction traffic on narrow lanes. Alternative options: (1) build the farm as proposed; (2) put solar panels on rooftops of homes, schools and the new business park instead (about 25% of the output); (3) a smaller 60-hectare farm with a wildlife corridor and hedgerow planting. Which one of the following is a renewable source of energy used in the proposal?

Using the resource, give two reasons why the solar farm is being proposed near Kelmer.

Calculate how many homes option (2) could supply, using the figures in the resource.

Explain why people in Kelmer have different views about the proposal.

Explain how the proposal links to the UK's changing energy mix.

Assess the possible environmental impacts of the solar farm.

Suggest how the energy company could reduce opposition from local residents.

Which option do you think is the best for Kelmer? Use evidence from the resource and your own knowledge to justify your decision. [9 marks + 3 SPaG]