The project is expected to save 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, powering around 180,000 homes per year.
Bolstering energy security
Straddling Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, the Cottam solar farm will connect to the grid via the former Cottam coal-fired power station’s connection, replacing nearly a third of its former capacity. The last remaining UK coal-fired power station, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, will close by the end of the month.
Stephen Wilding, director of business development at Solar Energy UK, said: “The 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.”
Commitment to sustainable energy
Bob Psaradellis, CEO of Island Green Power, the company developing Cottam, expressed his excitement: “We are delighted to receive planning consent for Cottam, which demonstrates our commitment to delivering clean, reliable, and sustainable energy by working in partnership with communities, local authorities, and key stakeholders.
“The project will play a vital role in supporting the UK’s transition to a low carbon economy, generating enough clean, renewable, and secure energy to power 180,000 households annually.”
Enhancing local community and biodiversity
Eve Browning, head of projects UK at Island Green Power, added: “We will now begin the next phase of development and look forward to delivering the full opportunities of the project.
“This includes making significant benefits to the local community and environment by enhancing the biodiversity and wildlife across the site and introducing a new route for local walkers.
“These improvements are alongside direct funding from the project to support local communities.”
Government backing for solar energy
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband’s approval aligns with the Planning Inspectorate’s recommendation, which highlighted the project’s contribution to low-carbon electricity generation. The inspectorate noted that the loss of agricultural land was temporary and reversible, and praised the project for its expected biodiversity net gain of 77% for habitat units and 56% for hedgerows.
Future solar growth
Cottam is one of seven nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIP) to secure consent, alongside projects like Little Crow (150MW) and Sunnica (500MW). A further 24 NSIP-scale solar farms are in the pre-application stage, signalling continued growth for solar power in the UK.
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