RWE Secures Planning Approval for 180 MW Byers Gill Solar and Battery Project in the UK

RWE, the UK’s leading power generator, has received planning approval for its Byers Gill Solar Farm, a major renewable energy project located between Stockton and Darlington in North East England.

Due to its scale—exceeding 50 megawatts (MW)—the project was assessed under the UK’s Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) planning framework. Following the submission of the application in February 2024, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has now granted final consent.

The approved project includes a 180 MW (AC) solar farm co-located with a 180 MW (AC) battery energy storage system, pending a final investment decision. This integrated design allows RWE to store solar energy and dispatch it to the grid during peak demand, enhancing flexibility and contributing to the UK’s energy security. Adam Swarbrick, RWE UK Head of Solar and Storage said: “This latest successful consent further strengthens RWE’s solar and battery storage development pipeline in the UK, supporting the UK’s energy security ambitions. Byers Gill is our largest co-located solar and battery storage development project to be consented in the UK, and the first to successfully navigate the detailed scrutiny of the NSIP examination process. This success is a testament to the expertise and capability that sits within RWE’s development teams. Our next step is to work towards a successful internal investment decision.”

Once operational, Byers Gill Solar Farm will generate enough clean electricity to power more than 70,000 homes annually.