Under UK planning rules, solar developments larger than 50 MW are deemed to be "nationally significant infrastructure projects" and must be consented to at a national government level via DCOs, rather than applying for traditional permits from local authorities.
Solar Energy UK has published new analysis setting out a roadmap to treble solar PV capacity over the next eight years. The new report titled Lighting the way reveals the policy and regulatory changes required to unleash the potential of solar energy in the UK.
These early successes have encouraged other developers to pitch similar projects all over England and Wales. The largest is the 840-MW Botley West solar farm in Oxfordshire, developed by Photovolt Development Partners GmbH.
The first photovoltaic (PV) solar array to connect directly to the electricity transmission network in the UK was energised this week as National Grid connected Enso Energy (Enso) and Cero Generation (Cero)’s new 50MW Larks Green solar farm to its Iron Acton substation near Bristol.
UK 'best market' for giant projects The first UK solar project to win DCO approval was Cleve Hill, which got the green light in May 2020. Developed by Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners Pty. Ltd., the project consists of a 373-MW solar farm and a 150-MW battery and is set to enter operation at the end of 2024.
Owl's Hatch solar park in Herne Bay, England. Seven giant solar projects totaling more than 3.3 GW are in the UK planning system, with more than a dozen others set to follow in 2024. Source: Carl Court/Getty Images News via Getty Images.