One of the UK’s largest solar projects has been approved for construction near Newark in Nottinghamshire.
Elements Green’s 800MW Great North Road solar farm will connect to the national grid at Staythorpe substation. Network capacity there has been freed up following the closure of fossil-fuelled power stations.
The decision is the second consent for a large-scale solar scheme awarded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero on the same day. Cubico’s 150MW Frodsham project was also approved.
Great North Road’s planning application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in June 2025, with the authority’s recommendation later sent to the energy department for a final decision.
Why it matters for Britain
The project will add a substantial amount of renewable generation to the UK’s energy system. The government says expanding homegrown power can strengthen energy security and reduce exposure to volatile global fossil-fuel prices, which affect household and business bills.
