The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has approved what would be the UK’s largest solar farm.
The 800MW Springwell Solar Farm in North Kesteven in the east Midlands, developed by EDF power solutions UK and Luminous Energy, would produce enough power for around half the homes in Lincolnshire.
Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “We are driving further and faster for clean homegrown power that we control to protect the British people and bring down bills for good.
“It is crucial we learn the lessons of the conflict in the Middle East – solar is one of the cheapest forms of power available and is how we get off the rollercoaster of international fossil fuel markets and secure our own energy independence.”
The approval marks the 25th nationally significant clean energy project approved by the government since July 2024.
EDF power solutions UK’s Director of Storage, Solar and Private Wire Matthew Boulton welcomed the government decision and thanked those who took part in consultations.
“As the project moves forward, we remain committed to working collaboratively with local communities and partners to reduce the impacts of construction while delivering long-term benefits for the region,” Boulton said.
EDF power solutions and Luminous Energy will now consider the details of the consent and programme for delivery of the project, before engaging with stakeholders and the community on plans to bring this project forward into construction.
Once this is complete, the developers said, it is planned for Springwell to export electricity to the national grid from 2029.