daily · Clean Energy

UK grants consent for Steeple solar and storage, with delivery work still ahead

The October 9 decision covers approximately 450 MW of solar and 150 MW of battery power in Nottinghamshire. Consent is not operation; developer economic figures are estimates.

By Greener Numbers Editorial Team · Published October 11, 2026 · Updated 10/11/2026

The UK granted development consent for the Steeple Renewables Project on October 9, according to the Planning Inspectorate. The Nottinghamshire proposal comprises approximately 450 megawatts of solar generation and approximately 150 megawatts of battery energy storage power. The fresh event is a consent decision, not a completed plant or a start of electricity deliveries.

Steeple Solar Farm Limited submitted the application on May 14, 2025, and it was accepted for examination on June 11 that year. The Examining Authority made its recommendations on July 10, 2026. The government says the public, local authorities and other interested parties could take part in a six-month examination before the decision.

Developer RES says the project near Sturton-le-Steeple has a total grid connection capacity of up to 600 megawatts. The solar and battery ratings describe different functions. The 150-megawatt battery figure is a power rating, not an energy capacity or a statement of how many hours it can supply power.

RES estimates approximately £224 million of local economic investment during construction and operation, including spending with businesses and business rates. It expects support for approximately 400 jobs and a community benefits package worth approximately £13 million over the project's lifetime. These are developer estimates, not observed spending, confirmed current vacancies or guaranteed household payments.

The developer says the next steps include detailed design, discharge of requirements and preparations for delivery. Its release does not establish an exact commercial-operation date. The consent therefore should not be read as a guarantee of immediate output, a household electricity-bill reduction or unrestricted construction without further requirements.

Developer source: https://www.res-group.com/resources/news/approved-steeple-renewables-project-to-deliver-224m-local-investment/

Official source: gov.uk ↗