The UK government has granted development consent for the Oaklands Farm Solar Park in South Derbyshire, marking a significant step in the country’s push towards cleaner energy.
The Oaklands Farm Solar Park, spearheaded by German renewable energy developer BayWa r.e., will deliver up to 140 megawatts (MW) of solar energy and 37.5 MW of battery storage. The announcement was confirmed by the UK Planning Inspectorate on Thursday.
A 400-Acre Clean Energy Hub
Situated on open agricultural land in South Derbyshire, the 400-acre site will house rows of solar panels mounted on 2.7-meter-high metal frames, supported by metal stanchions. The development also includes energy storage infrastructure made up of up to 91 steel shipping containers, each about 3 meters high, covering 2 acres of the site.
These batteries will help balance energy supply and demand, increasing grid reliability during peak hours.
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Grid Connection and Environmental Planning
The generated electricity will be connected to the national grid via an underground cable linking to the Drakelow Substation north of the site.
While the Oaklands Farm Solar Park South Derbyshire project transforms farmland, it has been designed with environmental safeguards, including the preservation of public footpaths and enhanced hedgerow networks to maintain local biodiversity.
Factsheet: Oaklands Farm Solar Park
- Developer: BayWa r.e.
- Solar Capacity: 138–140 MW
- Battery Storage: Up to 37.5 MW
- Site Area: ~400 acres
- Battery Containers: Up to 91
- Grid Connection: Drakelow Substation
- Location: South Derbyshire, England
- Land Use: Agricultural with hedgerow preservation
- Approval: UK Planning Inspectorate, June 2025
