Government approves UK’s second largest solar farm

Government approves 740 MW solar project for Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire

The UK government has granted development consent for the One Earth Solar Farm on 8 July 2026. The project will become the second-largest solar farm in the country. Located on the border of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, the site will generate enough electricity to supply more than 200,000 homes annually.

This approval represents the 30th nationally significant clean energy project sanctioned since Labour took office in July 2024. Collectively, these projects now deliver enough capacity to power over 19 million homes. The One Earth development follows approvals for Peartree Hill and Dean Moor solar farms earlier in the same week, marking a clear acceleration in renewable infrastructure delivery.

For businesses operating in construction, manufacturing, and supply chains, this wave of approvals signals sustained demand for materials, services, and expertise. Consequently, companies positioned to serve large-scale renewable projects should expect continued opportunities through 2026 and beyond.

Project specifications and partnership structure

The One Earth Solar Farm will feature a grid connection capacity of up to 740 MW. Developers Ørsted and PS Renewables are leading the project as joint partners. Both companies bring established credentials in UK renewable energy development.

The site sits primarily in Nottinghamshire, extending to the Lincolnshire border. Planning documentation progressed through the Development Consent Order process, which applies to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects generating over 50 MW. Initial community consultations began in September 2023 when South Clifton Parish Council received introductory materials about the application.

The Planning Inspectorate reviewed the DCO application before accepting it for examination. After completing the pre-examination stage, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero granted final consent in July 2026. This timeline reflects standard NSIP procedures, though the approval came during a period of accelerated government decision-making on energy projects.

While specific employment figures for One Earth have not been published, recent comparable approvals provide useful benchmarks. The Tillbridge Solar Farm approval supported over 1,250 jobs during construction and operation. Therefore, businesses in the East Midlands should anticipate significant local employment and supply chain activity as the project moves forward.

How this fits the government’s clean energy program

The One Earth approval forms part of the government’s stated ambition to establish Britain as a clean energy superpower. Since July 2024, approved projects have added capacity equivalent to powering 19 million homes. This figure has grown rapidly from 7.5 million homes at the time of the Tillbridge approval in October 2025.

Meanwhile, the Springwell Solar Farm holds the title of largest solar installation in the UK. Approved in April 2026, Springwell features an 800 MW capacity. However, One Earth ranks as the second-largest, underscoring the scale now being delivered through the NSIP process.

Private investment has responded accordingly. Over £100 billion in clean energy funding has been announced since July 2024, including major financing for projects such as Cleve Hill Solar Park. This capital flow indicates sustained confidence in UK renewable infrastructure among institutional investors.

For SMEs supplying into these projects, the investment climate matters directly. Long-term capital commitments support multi-year contracts and create visibility for workforce planning. Furthermore, lenders increasingly require supply chain sustainability credentials, making carbon reporting and environmental compliance more relevant to contract awards.

Commercial implications for UK businesses

Large solar developments create demand across multiple sectors. Construction firms, electrical contractors, equipment suppliers, and logistics providers all participate in project delivery. Additionally, ongoing operations require maintenance services, site management, and grid connection support.

Businesses already active in renewable supply chains should note the pace of approvals. Three major solar farms received consent in one week during July 2026. This tempo suggests that capacity constraints may emerge in specialized trades. Consequently, companies able to scale quickly or form strategic partnerships will be better positioned to secure work.

Procurement requirements for NSIP-scale projects typically include environmental and social governance criteria. Many tenders now require carbon reporting, modern slavery statements, and evidence of supply chain due diligence. These requirements flow down from developers to subcontractors, meaning smaller suppliers must also demonstrate compliance.

The government has emphasized that solar represents the cheapest form of power generation currently available. This cost advantage drives deployment volumes but also creates price pressure throughout supply chains. Therefore, businesses must balance competitive pricing with the compliance and quality standards expected on nationally significant projects.

Regional economic impacts extend beyond direct construction employment. Site preparation, road improvements, and grid infrastructure upgrades often involve local contractors. Moreover, operational phases typically include business rates payments to local authorities, creating long-term fiscal benefits for councils in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.

Key facts about the One Earth Solar Farm approval

• Development consent was granted on 8 July 2026 by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
• The project features a grid connection capacity of up to 740 MW, making it the second-largest solar farm in the UK.
• The site will generate electricity for more than 200,000 homes annually, located on the Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire border.
• Ørsted and PS Renewables are developing the project as joint partners, bringing established renewable energy expertise.
• This approval marks the 30th nationally significant clean energy project sanctioned since July 2024, contributing to capacity for over 19 million homes.
• The Development Consent Order process began with community consultations in September 2023 before formal application acceptance.
• Private investment in UK clean energy has exceeded £100 billion since July 2024, supporting project financing and supply chain development.

What businesses should consider in response

Companies serving renewable energy projects need to assess their readiness for compliance requirements. Carbon reporting through frameworks such as PPN 06/21 is increasingly standard in public sector procurement. Similarly, many private developers now require suppliers to demonstrate net-zero strategies or carbon reduction plans.

Supply chain visibility has become more important as projects scale up. Businesses should review their own suppliers’ environmental credentials, particularly for materials and components. This due diligence protects against reputational risks and ensures alignment with client expectations.

Skills development represents another consideration. Specialist roles in grid connection, battery storage integration, and renewable project management remain in high demand. Investing in training can improve competitiveness for contract awards and support business growth as the sector expands.

For businesses in the East Midlands, engagement with local supply chain initiatives may provide access to opportunities. Developers often prioritize regional suppliers to reduce transport emissions and support local economies. Therefore, companies should monitor procurement portals and attend industry events where project teams share upcoming requirements.

The approval tempo suggests that government decision-making on energy infrastructure has accelerated. Businesses planning capital investments or workforce expansion should factor in this faster project pipeline. Moreover, early engagement with developers during pre-construction phases can position companies favorably for contract negotiations.

At SBS, we support businesses preparing for public sector contracts through carbon reporting and PPN 06/21 compliance services. We also provide sustainable procurement guidance to help suppliers meet the environmental criteria increasingly required in tenders.

Where to find official guidance and updates

The Planning Inspectorate publishes detailed information on all Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, including application documents and decision notices. Their website provides access to DCO timelines and examination materials for current and approved projects.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero issues updates on clean energy approvals and policy developments through gov.uk. Their publications include ministerial statements, investment figures, and strategic plans relevant to businesses operating in the sector.

Local authorities in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire maintain planning portals with information on large-scale developments affecting their areas. These resources often include community consultation documents and economic impact assessments useful for understanding regional opportunities.

Industry bodies such as the Institution of Engineering and Technology and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers offer technical guidance on renewable energy projects. Their resources support professional development and help businesses stay current with evolving standards.

For businesses seeking tailored support, our compliance services address the specific requirements of operating in regulated and sustainability-focused supply chains.