The UK Planning Inspectorate has completed its review of Island Green Power’s 480MW West Burton solar project, concluding the examination phase for the company’s plan to develop a solar photovoltaic (PV) complex with up to 480MW capacity and energy storage in the East Midlands of England.
Solar Project to Power 144,000 Homes
With the examination complete, the Examining Authority announced on Monday that it has three months to prepare and submit a recommendation report to the Secretary of State, with a deadline of August 8, 2024. Once the report is received, the Secretary of State will have another three months to make a final decision on the project proposed by Island Green Power (IGP).
IGP plans to install photovoltaic arrays across three sites near the Nottingham-Lincolnshire border, connecting to a substation at the decommissioned West Burton power station. The West Burton Solar Project, spanning 788 hectares across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, will have a capacity of up to 480MW.
It aims to power 144,000 homes, replacing 24% of the former coal-fired power station’s capacity. All sites will be linked by underground cables.
Island Green Power, founded in 2013, is a prominent global developer of renewable energy projects and is spearheading the development of the West Burton Solar Project. The company has a track record of 26 completed solar projects worldwide, totalling over 1GW in capacity, including 14 projects in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. IGP is committed to advancing solar energy adoption and making a substantial contribution to reducing CO2 emissions.
Pre-Examination Stage
A report on the project’s dedicated website notes that IGP submitted its Development Consent Order (DCO) Application to the Planning Inspectorate in March 2023. This followed two phases of consultation where IGP gathered input that informed the project’s assessment and design. Acting on behalf of the Secretary of State, PINS formally accepted the application on 18 April 2023.
However, on 7 September 2023, the Examining Authority (EA) decided to adjourn the preliminary meeting, which delayed the start of the examination. The meeting resumed and concluded on 8 November 2023, officially starting the examination process.
The Examination Process
During the six-month examination period, the Examining Authority (EA) appointed by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) reviewed the DCO application for the West Burton Solar Project. This process involved onsite inspections, a mix of in-person and online hearings, and the submission of additional written materials from various stakeholders.
Throughout the examination, IGP’s team had the opportunity to discuss the DCO with key stakeholders, provide additional details and explanations, and respond to new materials submitted by others. All information related to the examination, including submitted documents and recordings of previous hearings, is available on the Planning Inspectorate project website.
The Planning Inspectorate now has three months to prepare its report and make a recommendation. The Secretary of State then has another three months to make a final decision, which is due by Friday, 08 November 2024.
The progress on the 480MW West Burton Solar Project marks a significant step for renewable energy initiatives in the East Midlands. With the examination phase now complete, the project moves closer to realisation, offering the potential to power thousands of homes with clean energy and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions. As the Planning Inspectorate prepares its report, the coming months will be decisive for this sustainable energy development.