The UK government has granted planning consent for the 500-megawatt Tillbridge solar farm in Lincolnshire, a joint development by Tribus Clean Energy and Recurrent Energy, marking another step in the country’s transition toward low-carbon power generation.
The Development Consent Order (DCO) was approved on 14 October following a review by the UK Planning Inspectorate, which had accepted the application for examination in May 2024. The project, located approximately 5 kilometres east of Gainsborough in West Lindsey, will also include a battery energy storage system.
Electricity generated by the solar facility will be transmitted via underground cables to the Cottam substation in neighbouring Nottinghamshire.
According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the approval represents the 17th nationally significant clean energy infrastructure project given the green light by the government since it took office in 2024.
“Solar is one of the cheapest and quickest power sources we can build, it is crucial in our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower – giving us energy security, good jobs and growth across the country,” said UK energy minister Michael Shanks. “Families across Lincolnshire and the rest of the country have seen their energy bills go through the roof as a result of our exposure to volatile gas prices.”
The Tillbridge project is part of broader efforts to increase solar capacity in the UK, as the government targets net zero emissions by 2050 and seeks to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.
