RES's Steeple Renewables Secures UK Approval for $296 Million Nottinghamshire Project

The UK Government has granted development consent for the Steeple Renewables Project, a solar and battery storage scheme near Sturton-le-Steeple in Nottinghamshire that is expected to bring an estimated USD 296 million of investment to the local economy.

RES, the world's largest independent renewable energy company, has been developing the site since 2023.

Approval Follows Nearly 700 Documents Submitted in DCO Examination

The decision was taken by the Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero after an examination by the Planning Inspectorate in which RES and interested parties submitted nearly 700 documents as part of the Development Consent Order process.

The approval concludes a process that has involved several years of development, environmental assessment, and consultation with statutory consultees, local authorities, and communities.

What the Consented Scheme Includes

The project will combine solar generation with battery storage, connected to the grid at a total capacity of up to 600MW.

The solar element is expected to produce enough clean electricity to power approximately 180,000 homes each year, which RES says is roughly half the households in Nottinghamshire.

The battery storage component will store electricity when supply is plentiful and release it when demand rises, adding flexibility to the system.

Building on West Burton's Energy Legacy

Nottinghamshire has historically powered the nation through coal and gas generation at West Burton Power Station. With consent now granted, that legacy is set to continue through renewable energy rather than fossil fuels.

Karl O'Mullan, Solar Development Director at RES, welcomed the decision, saying, "This area in Nottinghamshire has a proud energy history and Steeple Renewables Project will build on that legacy by connecting the new technologies supporting the country's clean energy future. Today's decision puts the county back at the centre of power generation in Britain alongside economic benefits that come with it."

Jobs, Community Funding, and Biodiversity Commitments

During construction and operation, the estimated USD 296 million of local investment will be delivered through approximately 400 jobs, spending with nearby businesses, and business rates paid throughout the project's operational life.

The consented scheme will also provide a community benefits package worth approximately USD 17 million over its lifetime, which could include RES' Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS). Biodiversity net gain measures are planned to leave the land richer in nature than it is today.

O'Mullan also acknowledged those who took part in the development process: "We thank everyone who has engaged with us and helped shape the project over the past few years, including local residents, landowners, parish councils, and statutory bodies. We look forward to building the project with the support of local businesses and the supply chain."

What Comes Next for the Project

The next steps include detailed design, discharge of requirements, and preparations for delivery. RES has stated that local communities and stakeholders will be kept updated as work progresses.

The Development Consent Order as made, the Examining Authority's Recommendation Report, and the Secretary of State's Decision Letter can be found on the Planning Inspectorate's project page, with further information on the project's dedicated website.

The Company Behind the Scheme

RES is headquartered in Hertfordshire and operates across 24 countries, working in wind, solar, energy storage, green hydrogen, transmission, and distribution.

With more than 40 years in the industry, the company has delivered over 29GW of renewable energy projects worldwide and plans to bring more than 26GW of new capacity online within the next five years.

As a service provider, it supports 45GW of renewable assets through asset management, operations and maintenance, and spare parts provision, employing 4,500 people globally.