UK approves new huge solar farm to power 200,000 homes

UK approves new huge solar farm to power 200,000 homes The government has approved 30 nationally significant clean energy projects since coming to power in July 2024 - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has given the green light for the construction of the UK’s second largest solar farm, set to be built on the border between Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire. The One Earth Solar Farm has received planning consent to proceed with development on land adjacent to the River Trent, near the village of South Clifton, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (Desnz) confirmed on Tuesday. This significant clean energy project is designed to generate up to 740 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power approximately 200,000 homes – roughly half the households in Lincolnshire. This approval follows the government’s decision in April to back the 800MW Springwell Solar Farm in North Kesteven, Lincolnshire, which will be the UK's largest. The announcement also comes just a week after ministers approved two other substantial solar developments: Pear Tree Hill in East Yorkshire and Dean Moor in West Cumbria. Since July 2024, the government has now sanctioned 30 nationally significant clean energy projects, which it states will collectively provide power for more than 19 million homes across the country. Labour took office promising to decarbonise the country’s electricity grid by 2030 to bring down bills, boost energy security and tackle climate change. Ministers recently doubled down on this ambition after the US-Israeli war in Iran drove up fossil fuel costs this year and further demonstrated the UK’s exposure to volatile global markets. Mr Miliband said: “The only way to have energy security is if we take a pro-growth approach to building more clean energy in Britain. “For two years that is exactly what this Government has done.” The Government highlighted how solar has become one of the cheapest forms of power available for the country, with the recent surge in its rollout helping to drive up the proportion of the UK being powered by renewables. Official data published last month shows that 2025 was the strongest year on record for solar deployment, with 269,000 installations completed across the UK. Last week, the Government also confirmed that planning reforms to scrap mandatory pre-application consultation requirements for major infrastructure projects will come into effect later this month. Ministers say this will cut up to a year from the planning process and potentially save industry £1 billion this Parliament. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments