Orsted has unveiled its first solar project in the UK – a 740MW scheme with associated battery storage located in Nottinghamshire.
One Earth Solar Farm is being co-developed with PS Renewables.
Subject to local and stakeholder consultation, which will begin later this month as part of the process for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIP), a development consent order (DCO) submission is planned for 2025.
Orsted is taking a phased ownership in the project with the achievement of key milestones.
PS Renewables and Orsted are targeting a commercial operation date for the One Earth Solar Farm before 2030.
The renewable electricity produced by the solar farm has several potential routes to market including contracts for difference and corporate power purchase agreements.
The project will contribute to Orsted’s global ambition of reaching 17.5GW of onshore capacity by 2030.
Orsted currently has over 5.7GW of onshore renewables in operation, under construction or consented across the United States and Europe. Solar energy is crucial to diversifying and balancing energy generation, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The UK government has set a clear target to increase solar capacity by nearly fivefold to 70GW by 2035 as part of wider plans to power up Britain with cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy sources.
Kieran White, senior vice president of onshore in Europe at Orsted, said: “With a strong Irish onshore portfolio already in place, we are delighted to begin our journey in the UK solar market with PS Renewables, who have been successfully delivering large-scale solar projects for more than a decade.”
Matt Hazell, co-owner of PS Renewables, added: “The One Earth Solar Farm stands to make an important contribution to the national decarbonisation effort.
“Our expertise in solar energy and Orsted’s renewables track record make this a compelling project.”
