Island Green Power presents plans for 500-MW solar project in UK

UK renewable energy developer Island Green Power (IGP) on Tuesday unveiled early-stage plans for a utility-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) with a potential generation capacity of up to 500 MW near Long Stratton in South Norfolk, England.

The East Pye Solar project is proposed to be built across various sites on land near Long Stratton and to connect to the existing 400KV overhead line running north to south between Norwich Main and Bramford substations.

The developer said it aims to design the project in a way that minimises impacts on local communities and achieves a net gain in biodiversity. It will conduct a first phase of consultation in the autumn, where it will invite feedback from stakeholders, including on what community benefits the project should deliver.

If approved, East Pye Solar would be able to power about 115,000 homes per year. As the project is larger than 50 MW, it will require the submission of a Development Consent Order (DCO) application, which is examined by the Planning Inspectorate and then determined by the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. IGP expects the planning process, from preparing the DCO application through to its determination, to take between two and three years. It aims to submit the application in late 2025.

IGP recently secured development consent for the 600-MW Cottam Solar Project in England.