RES's Steeple Renewables Wins UK Government Approval for USD 296 Million Nottinghamshire Project

The UK Government has granted development consent to the Steeple Renewables Project, a scheme expected to deliver an estimated USD 296 million of investment in the local economy. The decision was made by the Secretary of State for Energy and Net Zero, following a thorough examination by the Planning Inspectorate.

The project, developed by RES, the world's largest independent renewable energy company, has been in development near Sturton-le-Steeple since 2023. Once operational, it will combine solar generation and battery storage, with a total grid connection capacity of up to 600MW.

Building on Nottinghamshire's energy legacy

Nottinghamshire has long powered the nation through coal and gas generation at West Burton Power Station. The approval of the Steeple Renewables Project marks a shift in that legacy toward renewable energy.

Karl O'Mullan, Solar Development Director at RES, said, "This area in Nottinghamshire has a proud energy history, and the 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."

O'Mullan added that RES thanks everyone who engaged with the project over the past few years, including local residents, landowners, parish councils, and statutory bodies, and that the company looks forward to building the project with the support of local businesses and the supply chain.

Jobs, investment, and community benefits

During construction and operation, the project is expected to support approximately 400 jobs, alongside spending with nearby businesses and business rates throughout its operational life.

The estimated USD 296 million of investment covers these elements combined. The consented project will also deliver a tailored community benefits package worth approximately USD 17 million over the project's lifetime, which could include RES' Local Electricity Discounts Scheme (LEDS).

Clean power for 180,000 homes

The solar element of the project is expected to generate enough clean, homegrown electricity to meet the needs of approximately 180,000 homes every year, roughly half the households in Nottinghamshire.

The battery storage component will add flexibility by storing electricity when supply is plentiful and releasing it when demand rises. The consented project will also deliver biodiversity net gain measures designed to leave the land richer in nature than it is today.

A rigorous examination process

The Secretary of State's decision follows a thorough examination by the Planning Inspectorate, during which RES and interested parties submitted nearly 700 documents as part of the Development Consent Order process.

The decision follows several years of development, environmental assessment, and consultation with statutory consultees, local authorities, and communities.

What happens next

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

The Development Consent Order as made, the Examining Authority's Recommendation Report, and the Secretary of State's Decision Letter are available on the Planning Inspectorate's project page. Further information on the proposals, project updates, and submission documents can be found at the project's website.

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

The company has delivered more than 29GW of renewable energy projects globally and plans to bring more than 26GW of new capacity online in the next five years.