RES progresses solar PV and storage Steeple project

Construction of the project, which will be near the former West Burton Power Station, is set to represent a £224 million investment and create 400 jobs over the 24-month build programme. Image: RES.

Renewable energy company RES has opened a second round of consultation for its Steeple Renewables Project located at Sturton-le-Steeple in Nottinghamshire.

RES has a grid connection agreement for up to 600MW of combined solar and battery energy storage, but the distribution between solar and associated battery components has not been finalised. RES says it currently anticipates a configuration of approximately 75% solar and 25% battery (400MW solar plus 200MW storage) but feedback from the consultation could see that change.

Construction of the project, which will be near the former West Burton Power Station, is set to represent a £224 million investment and create 400 jobs over the 24-month build programme.

The Steeple Renewables Project will use existing grid infrastructure and capacity at West Burton substation, which also limits the amount of new infrastructure required and thus lessens the impact on the local area.

RES said it is keen to develop a community benefits package that would include its Local Electricity Dis Scheme, providing annual electricity diss to local homes and businesses “of at least £350”.

The project is in the pre-application stage and RES expects to submit an application for a development consent order (DCO), necessary because the project’s capacity classes it as a nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP), in the second quarter of this year.

Feedback on the proposals will be accepted until 3 March 2025. This, alongside ongoing environmental work, will help to finalise RES’ plans.

Will Bridges, RES project manager, said: “This renewable energy project embraces the historic role that the area has played in powering the UK. We believe there is an opportunity to build on this legacy and ensure that Nottinghamshire continues to play an important role in the UK’s future energy generation.”

Public consultation outcomes

Another solar development in Nottinghamshire, brought forward by Elements Green, has also just entered the second phase of consultation. The solar power plant will also feature energy storage and was renamed to refer to the biodiversity focus that has been a priority for the developer following local feedback in previous consultations.

Now called the Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park, Elements Green partnered with the RSPB, Sherwood Forest Trust, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and the Trent Rivers Trust to ensure nature benefits from the development.

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