UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has granted planning permission for three major solar projects in England, totaling 1350MW. The Development Consent Order permits were issued to:

1. PS Renewables and Tribus Clean Energy's 500MW Sunnica.

2. Windel Energy and Canadian Solar’s 350MW Mallard Pass.

3. Low Carbon’s 500MW Gate Burton.

Solar Energy UK chief executive Chris Hewett praised the decisions, expressing delight at the approvals in Miliband's first week in office. He emphasized that this clear leadership boosts investor confidence and underscores Britain’s commitment to addressing the climate emergency with necessary urgency.

The decision on Sunnica was initially delayed by former Conservative energy secretary Claire Coutinho, who also postponed deadlines for Mallard Pass. Gareth Phillips, a partner at Pinsent Masons, welcomed the swift action by the new government, highlighting its intent to clear the backlog of infrastructure planning applications targeted by Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

Mike Rutgers, managing director of UK development at Low Carbon, stressed that timely decision-making is crucial for the success of clean energy infrastructure. After months of political indecision, the approvals signal serious governmental commitment to prioritizing energy projects in the planning system.

Richard Griffiths, another partner at Pinsent Masons, noted that these decisions indicate the UK’s openness to investment in major new renewables projects. He added that the solar industry had been awaiting these decisions, and their issuance will influence upcoming projects.

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