Renewables developer Island Green Power (IGP) has unveiled plans for a utility-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) development in Norfolk, UK.
With a potential generation capacity of up to 500MW, East Pye Solar will be located near Long Stratton in south Norfolk.
The project is proposed to be built across various sites near Long Stratton and would connect to the existing 400KV overhead line that runs north to south between Norwich Main and Bramford substations.
Central to the project is designing it in a way that minimises impacts on local communities and enhances the local ecology, including achieving a net gain in biodiversity.
The developer has also promised to deliver community benefits alongside its proposals.
During the first phase of consultation, scheduled for this autumn, IGP will invite stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposals and share their views, recommendations and ideas.
As the potential generation capacity of the Project is more than 50MW, the project is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).
This means that a Development Consent Order (DCO) application as outlined in the Planning Act 2008, will need to be submitted to construct, operate and decommission the Project.
For energy-related NSIPs, the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), will carry out an examination of the application and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State on whether to grant consent for the Project.
Consent is then determined by the Secretary of State.
The planning process, from preparing and submitting the Development Consent Order (DCO) application through to its examination and determination, is expected to take between two and three years.
IGP will submit the DCO application to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) in late 2025.
Environmental surveys are being undertaken to inform the most appropriate areas for development across the extent of the land available.
Further details on this will be presented through the first phase of community consultation that will take place in October to November this year.