A viral tweet claims that the entire output of a Kent solar farm, originally intended to power 100,000 homes, is now being redirected to Tesco supermarkets and Shell petrol stations.

This is outrageous: the entire output of a huge solar farm meant to power 100,000 homes will now supply Tesco supermarkets and Shell petrol stations instead. Your green energy revolution means cheaper energy for homes, you say, @Ed_Miliband? Yeah, right. https://t.co/Y00HTzl49O

— Suzanne Evans (@SuzanneEvans1) October 18, 2024

Verdict: Misleading 

While Tesco and Shell have secured 100% of the energy output, the farm was not strictly reserved for homes. Its current use supports green energy goals for corporations as part of the U.K.’s energy transition.

Fact Check:

A solar farm in Yorkshire is expected to come online and supply power to around 20,000 homes in the area, according to Energy Live News. The farm is part of a 39.4 million pound investment by Atrato Onsite Energy, aiding OVO Energy’s commitment for net-zero carbon output by 2035, the outlet reported.

The post claims that power taken by the Kent Solar Farm, which was mean to power 100,000 homes, was redirected to Tesco and Shell stores. “This is outrageous: the entire output of a huge solar farm meant to power 100,000 homes will now supply Tesco supermarkets and Shell petrol stations instead. Your green energy revolution means cheaper energy for homes, you say, @Ed_Miliband,” the post’s caption reads.

The claim is lacking important context. The post is referring to the Cleve Hill solar farm in Kent, which was initially proposed to generate enough renewable energy to power approximately 100,000 homes. However, it has since entered power purchase agreements with Tesco and Shell. Specifically, 65% of the solar farm’s output will supply Tesco’s UK supermarkets, and 35% will be used by Shell, primarily for its electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.

The project’s shift to corporate use has sparked criticism, particularly from local environmentalists who argue that the solar farm was originally presented as a solution for residential energy. However, the agreements with Tesco and Shell are part of both companies’ strategies to meet sustainability targets and reduce carbon emissions. Tesco has announced that the solar farm will supply up to 10% of its electricity needs in the UK.

While some frustration exists over the farm’s redirection toward corporate use, the project remains a significant component of the UK’s renewable energy plan, aiming to support both commercial and public energy needs.