Starlight Energy has applied for early planning permission for two proposed solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) developments in Leicestershire, England.
The developer, an offshoot of NextEnergy Group, has submitted a screening advice request to Harborough District Council in relation to two development sites in the Harborough and Saddington areas.
The proposal suggests that, if approved, ground-mounted solar panels with a combined capacity of approximately 20 MW would be installed at the two sites, in addition to the co-located BESS with an additional 20 MW capacity. The BESS capacity will be distributed across approximately 30 battery containers, which will be prefabricated at an off-site location and then delivered to the site. The proposed development will be connected to the electricity grid at the nearby Kibworth Road substation.
The proposals suggest the panels will be mounted at a minimum height of 80cm from the ground, allowing agricultural activities, including sheep grazing, to continue in the area. None of the proposed developments are located on prime and most versatile (BMV) agricultural land.
The sun is shining on Leicestershire
A number of notable solar and storage projects have been approved in the county of Leicestershire this year. Last month, Balance Power secured approval to build a 49.5MW/99MWh BESS at Hinkley, in the south-west of the province; Although no construction start date has been given for this project, Balance Power expects development to commence by October 2025.
Later in September, solar and battery developer Renewable Connections received full approval for the 22.5MW Old Hall Solar Farm, located near Ragdale. This project is notable for its decision to use bifacial solar panels, facing south, to generate up to 30% more electricity than traditional solar arrays. This recently approved development will be located next to an existing solar farm, the 18.7 MW Six Hills Solar Farm, co-owned by BP and Lightsource BP Renewable Investments.
Looking back at the spring of this year, Endurance Energy received unanimous approval from Charnwood Borough Council for its 50MW Oakley Solar Farm. The developers claim that once it is completed; This solar park will deliver a net biodiversity gain of 62%, thanks to a design plan that includes more than 2,800 new trees, 605 meters of new hedges, 61 hectares of new flower meadow and 166 hectares of ‘species-rich’ grasslands, plus four new natural ponds.
