Devon CPRE has learnt that National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) has curtailed all output from Derril Water Solar Park at Pyworthy, near Holsworthy, and other renewables connected to the Alverdiscott Substation because of a fault that threatens to overload the grid. In its first summer of electricity generation, the timing couldn’t be worse for Derril Water, a solar farm that Devon CPRE and residents campaigned against.
The Board of the Derril Water Solar Co-op has sent its members an important update, dated 26 May 2026, advising them of “an unexpected electricity grid issue that requires Derril Water Solar Park and other renewable generators in North Devon to shut down…to prevent potential network overloads”.
The message goes on to say the problem has been triggered by works being carried out at the Transmission Network substation at Alverdiscott, near Barnstaple; the unexpected constraint has been enforced with no warning; and information received so far indicates that the curtailment may remain in place through the summer until early September.
Devon CPRE’s Energy spokesman, Dr Phil Bratby, says, “This is exactly the sort of issue you would expect with a distribution network when it’s used for purposes for which it was not designed (i.e. connect uncontrollable generators, with no spare capacity). Devon CPRE has been warning of such eventualities. Dare we say, we told you so!”
Devon CPRE Chair Steve Crowther adds, “We have been concerned for some time that the Grid was not up to the job and constantly adding new, large solar farms would lead to a situation similar to that in Spain last April, where the whole Grid collapsed. The government’s policy of allowing international investors a free rein in building solar over our countryside is totally irresponsible. One man’s obsession does not constitute strategic planning. All further megasolar projects should be halted until a proper strategic energy plan is put in place, which acknowledges the realities of what energy is required where, and what inputs our grid can reliably accept without falling over.”
