Solar panels under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds
If approved, the project could come online as soon as 2030. Image: American Public Power Association via Unsplash.

International renewable energy developer Ørsted has announced proposals for a 320MW solar PV power plant in East Yorkshire.

The Kingfisher Solar Farm is proposed to be located three miles north of the town of Beverly. The approximate 320MW capacity of the project classifies the development as a nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP), meaning the project developer Ørsted will need to secure a development consent order (DCO) from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

If the plans are approved, the project is expected to be operational by the end of 2030 and run for as long as 60 years. Ørsted has not yet stated when an application will be submitted for a DCO.

The project proposals suggest that the solar PV power plant could use the same cable route as the already consented Hornsea 4 offshore wind farm, which is also being developed by Ørsted. This cable route would connect the Kingfisher development to the nearby Creyke Beck substation via an underground cable.

Public consultations will soon be opened for the proposed development, with local residents and businesses invited to share feedback online or in person between 3 February and 9 March. Public presentations and events will also be held in local towns and villages during the consultation period.

Randall Linfoot, Ørsted’s programme manager for Kingfisher, said: “Kingfisher Solar Farm will provide a significant contribution toward meeting the country’s ambitious plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“We will also be delivering real benefits for the communities we are working in if the project is approved, including increasing wildlife and habitat areas around our solar array, and having a community benefit fund that will deliver lasting, tangible benefits for local people. We will be investing in local initiatives and engaging small and medium-sized businesses in the area to see how they can secure work through our supply chain.

“We look forward to sharing more details on our proposals with local residents and businesses through this consultation.”

This is not the only NSIP Ørsted is currently involved in. PS Renewables and Ørsted have formed a partnership to develop the proposed One Earth solar PV power plant in Nottinghamshire. The development will feature a co-located battery energy storage system (BESS), and has already been approved for 740MW export/import connection by National Grid. Public consultation for the project closed in July and a DCO application is expected to be submitted between January and March 2025.