Biggest solar farm is given the go-ahead (with sheep)

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 29, 2026

The UK government has approved the 800 MW Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park in Nottinghamshire, which will generate power for around 400,000 homes and include battery storage and grazing sheep among solar panels. This project supports the UK’s goal to triple solar capacity by 2030 and reduce carbon emissions, despite local opposition and concerns over the use of high-quality agricultural land.

The UK government has granted approval for the Great North Road Solar and Biodiversity Park in Nottinghamshire, a solar farm with a capacity of 800 megawatts that could supply electricity to approximately 400,000 homes. The project, set to become one of the largest solar farms in the country alongside a recent development in Lincolnshire, distinguishes itself by integrating almost 4,000 sheep grazing among its solar panels.

Energy Minister Michael Shanks emphasized the importance of such projects in enhancing the nation’s energy security and reducing household bills by lessening dependence on unpredictable global fossil fuel markets. The scheme also aligns with government efforts to reduce carbon emissions from electricity generation and support ambitions to triple solar power capacity in the UK by 2030, a target advocated by the Labour Party.

Despite government support, the project has faced criticism from local representatives. Robert Jenrick, the Member of Parliament for Newark, where the site is located, expressed strong opposition, describing the approval as “appalling and devastating,” citing concerns about prolonged disruption and lasting damage to local views.

The solar farm will occupy land of which about 62% is classified as “best and most versatile” agricultural land, among the highest quality grades in England and Wales. The government’s decision acknowledged significant negative visual and landscape impacts but ultimately prioritized the project’s broader environmental and energy benefits.

In addition to generating solar power, the Great North Road scheme will incorporate battery storage technology, enabling the facility to store excess electricity and supply it during periods of high demand. Furthermore, the developer plans to plant over 64,000 trees to fulfill statutory biodiversity requirements and enhance the environmental value of the site.

This approval forms part of a broader governmental push, with nearly 20 large-scale solar projects greenlit recently, as the UK pursues cleaner energy alternatives and strives to meet its climate objectives.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.