Undertake large photovoltaic support projects

Are solar projects considered 'nationally significant infrastructure projects' in the UK?

Under UK planning rules, solar developments larger than 50 MW are deemed to be "nationally significant infrastructure projects" and must be consented to at a national government level via DCOs, rather than applying for traditional permits from local authorities.

Are more solar 'nationally significant infrastructure projects' going to be approved?

To meet those targets, more solar ‘nationally significant infrastructure projects’ (NSIPs) will need to be approved over the next decade and beyond – only two projects, the Little Crow Solar Park project and the Cleve Hill Solar Park project, have received development consent to date.

Which UK solar projects have been successful?

These early successes have encouraged other developers to pitch similar projects all over England and Wales. The largest is the 840-MW Botley West solar farm in Oxfordshire, developed by Photovolt Development Partners GmbH.

Is there a shortage of solar power in the UK?

Solar Energy UK said there had been rapid growth in rooftop solar installations this year, with 57,125 below 50kW so far, only slightly less than the number installed in the whole of 2021. However, the biggest obstacle facing new solar projects was a lack of capacity in the electricity grid, Solar UK said.

What is the biggest obstacle facing new solar projects?

However, the biggest obstacle facing new solar projects was a lack of capacity in the electricity grid, Solar UK said. Many projects have been told that they have a 10- to 15-year wait to get a connection, with one given a 2037 deadline.

How many giant solar projects are there in the UK?

Owl's Hatch solar park in Herne Bay, England. Seven giant solar projects totaling more than 3.3 GW are in the UK planning system, with more than a dozen others set to follow in 2024. Source: Carl Court/Getty Images News via Getty Images.