New proposed solar farm could power 115,000 homes

A 50MW solar farm and battery storage site is being put forward for location at Long Stratton

A solar farm and battery project capable of powering 115,000 homes annually by delivering up to 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity is being proposed by an energy developer.

Island Green Power said the project, known as East Pye Solar, is planned for land in Long Stratton, Norfolk, and will be able to provide energy over the next 60 years.

The electricity would be connected to the existing 400kV overhead line which runs north to south between Norwich main substation and Bramford near Ipswich.

An initial non-statutory consultation will take place with local communities for six weeks between October and December, the firm said.

Island Green already operates solar farms in Salhouse and Trowse in Norfolk, as well as other counties in the East of England.

When commenting on the launch, an East Pye Solar Project spokesperson said the project "would play an important role in bolstering energy security, while simultaneously contributing to regional and national efforts to decarbonise our energy system".

The firm added that the scheme would also be "an opportunity to explore ecological enhancements" in the area.

"To reach this, a number of wildlife enhancement measures will be considered," it said.

The electricity would be connected to the existing 400kV overhead line which runs between Norwich main and Bramford substations

The size and scale of the energy scheme means a Development Consent Order (DCO) application will need to be submitted to construct, operate and decommission the plant.

For energy-related nationally significant infrastructure projects, such as the one being proposed, the Planning Inspectorate will act on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, and will carry out an examination of the application.

A recommendation to the secretary of state on whether to grant consent for the project will be made by the Planning Inspectorate and consent is then determined by the secretary of state.

The firm said it expected the planning process, from preparing and submitting the DCO application, through to its examination and determination, to take between two and three years.

Island Green Power said it aimed to submit its DCO application to the Planning Inspectorate in late 2025.

South Norfolk Council has been approached for comment.