Orsted and UK solar developer PS Renewables have applied for approval to construct a 740 MW solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) in Nottinghamshire, England.
If completed as planned, it could become the UK’s largest solar project, contributing to the UK government’s plan to add approximately 30 GW of solar capacity to help decarbonise the UK’s electricity grid by 2030.
Named One Earth Solar Farm, the project is one of four UK solar installations exceeding 50 MW developed by PS Renewables. It also marks Orsted’s first venture into UK solar, with the Danish multinational adopting a “phased ownership” approach as key project milestones are met, according to the developer.
Due to its size, the project requires development consent from the UK government following an assessment by the Planning Inspectorate. The agency has until March 27, 2025, to determine if the project qualifies as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).
If deemed an NSIP, it will undergo further public consultation and a review period of up to six months before the Planning Inspectorate makes a recommendation to the UK government’s secretary of state for energy, who will issue the final decision. A 740 MW grid connection for the project has already been secured.
PS Renewables is experienced with the NSIP process, having obtained a development consent order (DCO) for its 500 MW Sunnica Energy Farm project in July 2024. The approval was part of a series of DCOs issued following the UK government’s election victory that year.
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