A major solar and battery project in Nottinghamshire has been given the go-ahead by the government.
RES has secured development consent for the Steeple Renewables Project, which will combine 450MW of solar generation with a 150MW battery energy storage system. The scale of the solar element makes it a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.
The site is planned near the decommissioned West Burton Power Station, using existing grid capacity and infrastructure in the area. Construction is expected to add another large renewable energy project to a region that is becoming a focus for solar development.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh granted consent for the project, the third solar NSIP approved since she became energy secretary. The decision came a day after approval was given to Island Green Power’s 500MW Green Hill Solar Farm, which also includes battery storage.
Solar Media Market Research data cited by Solar Power Portal shows 14 solar plants at different stages of development are due to connect at West Burton, with a combined capacity of 1,586MWp.
Why it matters for Britain
The project will add substantial renewable generation and battery storage while making use of existing power infrastructure near West Burton. That could help the Nottinghamshire area play a larger role in the UK’s changing energy system.
