September 6. 2024: Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband has approved the UK’s largest solar farm, a move expected to enhance energy security, lower energy bills, and reduce the country's dependency on natural gas. The 600-megawatt Cottam solar farm, located across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, will connect to the grid using infrastructure previously used by the now-demolished Cottam coal-fired power station. 

The solar farm is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 400,000 tonnes annually, equivalent to about 0.1% of the UK’s total yearly emissions, and will generate enough electricity to power approximately 180,000 homes each year. 

In the company’s official publication, Stephen Wilding, Director of Business Development at Solar Energy UK stated, “Today’s announcement is another step in the right direction towards a sustainably-powered solar nation, offering a more secure and affordable energy system. It is also another welcome confirmation of the new government’s support for the solar sector, in anticipation of the forthcoming Solar Roadmap, which will set the country on the path to reaching 50 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2030.”

In addition to this Ed Miliband commented “This government is determined to give families and businesses energy security by getting off the rollercoaster of unstable international gas markets that led to increased bills. The only way to do this is to back cheap, homegrown energy which boosts our economy and supports us in lowering bills for good.”

With a capacity of over 50MW, Cottam is a nationally significant infrastructure project, meaning that it was considered by the central government rather than a local authority.

This project will replace nearly a third of the capacity of the former Cottam coal plant and comes as the UK prepares to close its last remaining coal-fired power station, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, by the end of the month. The approval of the Cottam solar farm marks a significant step in the UK’s transition to cleaner energy sources, aligning with broader goals to combat climate change and strengthen the nation’s energy independence.

The project will also enhance biodiversity through the establishment of permanent grassland, new trees, hedgerows, and extensive ecological buffer zones, including watercourses and marginal habitats. This is projected to result in substantial increases in wildlife habitats, with a biodiversity net gain of 77% for habitat units and 56% for hedgerow units.

To date, seven large-scale solar farms have received consent, including Little Crow (150MW), Cleve Hill (373MW), Longfield (420MW), Mallard Pass (350MW), Gate Burton (500MW), and Sunnica (500MW)—the latter three approved shortly after the general election. Together, these projects total nearly 2,900MW, equivalent to about 15% of the UK’s current installed solar capacity.

Additionally, 24 other large-scale solar farms are in the pre-application phase, with three under examination and decisions on two more—Ecotricity’s Heckington Fen and Island Green Power’s West Burton project—expected soon. Several others are in earlier stages of development.

The approval of the Cottam solar farm, along with other large-scale projects, marks significant progress in the UK's transition to low-carbon energy. With ongoing developments, these initiatives are set to boost biodiversity, enhance energy security, and contribute substantially to the UK’s renewable energy capacity.