The UK Government has given the green light to the Steeple Renewables Project, a scheme combining solar generation and battery storage developed by RES near Sturton-le-Steeple in Nottinghamshire. The Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero granted development consent. According to RES, the project would deliver an estimated £224 million of investment in the local economy. A community benefits package worth approximately £13 million is also planned over the project's lifetime.

Grid connection capacity of up to 600 MW

RES, which describes itself as the world's largest independent renewable energy company and is headquartered in Hertfordshire, has been developing this nationally significant project since 2023. Once operational, it would combine solar generation and battery storage, with a total grid connection capacity of up to 600 MW. Elsewhere in the solar segment, Aquila Clean Energy connected a 17.85 MWp solar plant in Valladolid, while TotalEnergies and KKR expanded their solar joint venture in Texas and Ohio.

The solar element would generate enough electricity to meet the needs of approximately 180,000 homes every year, according to RES, roughly half the households in Nottinghamshire. The battery storage would store electricity when supply is plentiful and release it when demand rises. The county has long powered the country through coal and gas generation at West Burton Power Station.

Jobs, biodiversity and community benefits

During construction and operation, the project would support approximately 400 jobs, the company says. The estimated £224 million of local investment also includes spending with nearby businesses and business rates throughout the project's operational life. The project also includes biodiversity net gain measures designed to leave the land richer in nature than it is today.

The community benefits package could include RES' Local Electricity Discounts Scheme (LEDS), which offers electricity discounts to local residents. "This area in Nottinghamshire has a proud energy history and Steeple Renewables Project will build on that legacy by connecting the new technologies supporting the country's clean energy future," said Karl O'Mullan, Solar Development Director at RES. He added that the decision puts the county back at the centre of power generation in Britain.

An examination led by the Planning Inspectorate

The Secretary of State's decision follows a thorough examination by the Planning Inspectorate, the agency responsible for examining planning applications. As part of the Development Consent Order process, RES and interested parties submitted nearly 700 documents. The decision comes after several years of development, environmental assessment and consultation with statutory consultees, local authorities and communities.

The next steps include detailed design, discharge of requirements and preparations for delivery. RES indicates that local communities and stakeholders will be kept updated as the project progresses. The company says it looks forward to building the project with the support of local businesses and the supply chain.