While the UK accelerates its shift to renewable energy, a massive solar-plus-battery project is taking shape across Nottinghamshire‘s countryside. The One Earth Solar Farm, developed jointly by PS Renewables and Ørsted, stands to become the UK’s largest solar installation with an impressive 740 MW capacity. I’ve seen similar projects elsewhere, but none match this scale in Britain’s renewable landscape.
The development spans approximately 1,600 hectares—equivalent to 2,800 football pitches—primarily in Nottinghamshire with portions extending into Lincolnshire. Its integrated battery energy storage system (BESS) represents the cutting edge of renewable technology, allowing excess power to be stored and dispatched during periods of low solar production.
Sprawling across 1,600 hectares, the One Earth Solar Farm pairs cutting-edge battery storage with massive solar capacity.
Classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, the development required a Development Consent Order rather than standard local planning approval. The application has cleared initial acceptance hurdles and entered examination, with final approval expected by spring 2026 from the Secretary of State for Net Zero. The Planning Inspectorate has set a decision deadline of March 27, 2025, for their assessment before recommending to the UK government.
The project’s location strategically utilizes grid connection capacity from the decommissioned High Marnham coal power station, minimizing new infrastructure requirements. This repurposing of former fossil fuel infrastructure for clean energy production represents sensible resource management.
Once operational, One Earth Solar Farm will generate clean electricity for more than 200,000 homes annually, greatly bolstering UK energy security. The developers have demonstrated responsiveness to community concerns, revising designs twice following public consultations and removing panels planned near residential areas. These significant changes to the masterplan demonstrate the project’s commitment to addressing local perspectives while advancing national energy goals.
The economic benefits can’t be overlooked, with hundreds of construction jobs anticipated and substantial local investment. Spanning West Lindsey, Bassetlaw, and Newark & Sherwood districts, the project follows a trend of government support for large-scale solar installations.
