UK Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho has delayed the consent decision on the 500MW Sunnica solar project, jointly developed by Tribus Energy and PS Renewables in England. The Planning Inspectorate confirmed that a new deadline for the Development Consent Order application will be set by the DESNZ chief.
The decision, initially scheduled for December 7, faces a new timeline as Coutinho extends the evaluation period once again. No specific reasons for the delay have been provided by the authorities.
This marks the second instance of Coutinho deferring her ruling on the Sunnica solar project, which was initially anticipated in late September. The Planning Inspectorate assures that the revised decision date will be communicated “as soon as possible.”
Sunnica, responding to the extension, stated, “We note that the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has extended the decision period for Sunnica. The UK needs to double the amount of renewable energy it generates by 2050. Sunnica would make a significant contribution to this goal.”
If approved, the Sunnica solar initiative would rank among the largest solar farms authorized in the UK to date. The proposed project is slated to span three sites in east Cambridgeshire and west Suffolk, with a connection to the grid at the Burwell substation.
As the renewable energy sector plays a crucial role in the UK's commitment to doubling its renewable energy generation by 2050, the delay in the Sunnica project decision raises questions about the regulatory landscape and the project's potential contributions to the country's clean energy targets.
