The Cottam Solar Project is a large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage development proposed in Nottinghamshire, England, UK. The project is led by Island Green Power and is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).
The proposed development is designed to generate up to 600MW of solar electricity, co-located with up to 600MW of battery storage capacity.
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The project received a Development Consent Order (DCO) in September 2024 and is intended to support the UK Government’s commitment to fully decarbonise the power system by 2035.
It is expected to supply renewable electricity to approximately 180,000 homes annually, replacing roughly 30% of the former coal-fired capacity previously delivered by the Cottam Power Station.
Project Location
The project is located in north Nottinghamshire, with parts extending into Lincolnshire. The development spans approximately 1,150 to 1,300 hectares across four distinct land parcels near the villages of Cottam, Treswell, and South Leverton.
The site was selected for its proximity to the former Cottam Power Station’s existing 400kV National Grid substation, which will be reused for the solar project’s grid connection.
Land use is primarily arable, and the area was deemed suitable for solar infrastructure given the low visual impact and availability of brownfield connection points.
Cottam Solar Project Capacity and Infrastructure
The total installed capacity of the Cottam Solar Project will be up to 600MW of solar generation, supported by up to 600MW of battery energy storage. The infrastructure includes ground-mounted PV modules, inverters, transformers, access roads, fencing, CCTV systems, and substations.
The development will consist of four solar sites (Cottam 1, 2, 3a and 3b), with the associated infrastructure buried underground where possible to reduce impact. The battery system will enable time-shifting of renewable energy to match demand and help balance the national electricity grid.
Development and Timeline
Island Green Power began initial feasibility studies and site assessments in 2021, followed by a statutory consultation in 2022. The DCO application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in June 2023, and following a six-month examination, consent was granted by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero in September 2024.
Technological Details
The Cottam Solar Project will use fixed-tilt solar PV modules mounted on steel support frames across four solar sites. The project will also include lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS), each capable of bi-directional flow, enabling them to charge and discharge power into the grid.
The battery systems are designed to provide grid services such as frequency response and energy arbitrage. Internal roadways, underground cabling, and substation equipment will be constructed to industry standards. Final procurement for solar modules and storage systems is expected during the pre-construction phase.
Cottam Solar Project Financing and Ownership
The project is currently owned and developed by Island Green Power. Financial arrangements, including details of investment partners or external funders, have not been disclosed.
However, Island Green Power has indicated that the project will be financed through institutional and infrastructure capital following the post-consent phase. No government subsidies or Contracts for Difference (CfD) mechanisms have been announced at this stage.
Power Purchase Agreements
The project is expected to sell electricity via a combination of long-term PPAs and merchant market sales depending on market conditions. Island Green Power typically evaluates offtake arrangements during the late development or pre-construction phase.
Contractors and Suppliers
Island Green Power has worked with Lanpro Services as the lead planning and environmental consultancy.
Lanpro played a pivotal role in the technical planning and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) aspects of the Development Consent Order (DCO) process. The company’s responsibilities included engaging with local authorities and consultees, as well as formulating the consenting strategy.
Lanpro coordinated and managed various technical disciplines, collaborating closely with the client and legal teams to ensure a thorough assessment and application.
The grid connection will be managed in coordination with National Grid Electricity Transmission, the owner of the 400kV infrastructure at the Cottam site.
