Plans have been unveiled for a huge new solar and energy storage project, involving 2,800 acres of land, on the border of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
Cottam Solar Project Limited is developing the proposals following the decommissioning of the Cottam coal fired power station.
The scheme could generate enough clean energy to power 180,000 homes, replace around 30% of the former generation capacity of the coal powered Cottam Power Station, and improve energy resilience by diversifying energy production and storing energy for when it is needed most.
It is said the project could also deliver more affordable energy, as the electricity generated from solar is cheaper than electricity generated from fossil fuels and the project would be subsidy free without taxpayer funding.
The proposals involve three areas of land which would host ground-mounted solar panels and be connected by underground cable. The project would generate around 600 MW of renewable energy.
A phase one community consultation has begun on early-stage proposals, which will run until Wednesday 15 December 2021.
Feedback is sought from the local community to help identify and understand any impacts.
Island Green Power, an international developer of renewable energy projects, is behind the development. It has delivered 26 solar projects worldwide totalling more than 1GW of capacity. This includes 14 solar projects in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Subject to approval, it is anticipated that construction would start in 2024.
