UK Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband, has approved a significant 600 MW solar and energy storage project that will span the county border between Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. British photovoltaic developer Island Green Power, the promoter of this project, can now proceed with construction at the utility-scale site. 

According to a government statement, the development is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). It includes three electricity generating stations, each with anticipated capacity in excess of 50MW, comprising of ground mounted solar arrays, with associated development comprising energy storage, grid connection, operation and maintenance (O&M) of the NSIPs.  

The project received approval despite objections from local councils who had rejected the plan due to concerns about its impact on farmland, traffic, and the lack of supporting infrastructure. 

¿How big will the project be? 

According to information published by the Cottam Solar Project, the plan involves around 2,800 acres (1,150 hectares) of land, which could host solar panels and associated infrastructure. This land is dispersed over three sites. 

Detailed configurations of the solar panels and associated infrastructure across these sites are not yet confirmed. These details will be finalized through ongoing technical work and consultation with local communities. 

Using this land for solar energy could generate 600 MW of renewable power, sufficient to power 180,000 homes per year. This represents the largest photovoltaic plant by capacity to date. 

Industry Reaction 

According to information published by Solar Energy UK, the industry welcomed the solar project enthusiastically. 

“The announcement is another step in the right direction towards a sustainably-powered solar nation, offering a more secure and affordable energy system. It is also another welcome confirmation of the new government’s support for the solar sector, in anticipation of the forthcoming Solar Roadmap, which will set the country on the path to reaching 50 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2030,” said Stephen Wilding, Director of Business Development at Solar Energy UK. 

“We are delighted to receive planning consent for Cottam, which demonstrates our commitment to delivering clean, reliable, and sustainable energy by working in partnership with communities, local authorities, and key stakeholders. The project will play a vital role in supporting the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy, generating enough clean, renewable, and secure energy to power 180,000 households annually,” said Bob Psaradellis, CEO of Cottam’s developer, Island Green Power.