UK Government Approves 138MW Derbyshire Solar Park

The UK government, led by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, has approved the Oaklands Farm Solar Park in Derbyshire, a large-scale renewable energy project set to generate 138 MW of solar power and include 37.5 MW of battery storage over 400 acres. The development, submitted by BayWa r.e. UK Ltd, is expected to power around 35,000 homes and contribute to the UK's Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. Despite concerns from over 300 local commenters about the loss of farming land, the examining authority gave full consideration to local views before recommending approval. BayWa r.e. has committed to providing an annual community benefit of £55,000 for the project's 40-year lifespan and ensuring a 125% biodiversity net gain across the site. Construction is planned to begin in 2026 with operations starting by 2028, marking BayWa r.e.'s first UK solar project to receive Development Consent Order approval. This project exemplifies the government's ongoing support for large-scale solar infrastructure to aid national decarbonization efforts.