The UK government has granted planning permission for a 400-megawatt solar power project in East Yorkshire, a move that aligns with national targets for expanding renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband approved the Development Consent Order for the East Yorkshire Solar Farm on Thursday. The scheme, proposed by renewable energy firm Boom Power, will be located near Howden and connect to the grid via the Drax substation. A 2029 connection date has been allocated by the National Energy System Operator (NESO).
The project, which covers 1,276 hectares of land, is expected to generate enough electricity to power around 100,000 homes. It has been designed to operate for 40 years and includes 16 separate array areas, an export cable route, and dedicated ecological mitigation zones.
Boom Power’s founder, Mark Hogan, said the approval was a significant step for the company and the broader energy transition. “Securing development consent for the East Yorkshire Solar Farm is not only a proud and significant moment for Boom Power but marks a major advancement in the UK’s clean energy landscape and demonstrates our capability to deliver nationally significant infrastructure,” Hogan said in a statement.
The decision follows a six-month examination process launched after the company submitted its application in November 2023. Planning officials recommended approval following a review of the project’s environmental and technical details.
Benedikt von Bary, managing director at Pelion Green Future, a co-investor in the project, said: “It underscores our commitment to supporting high-impact renewable energy projects that drive long-term value, and we look forward to seeing this project move forward and contribute to the UK’s clean energy future.”
The UK government is aiming to deploy 70GW of solar capacity by 2035 as part of its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
