A proposal for a vast solar farm spanning parts of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire has been formally submitted to the government. The One Earth Solar Farm, which would cover 1,600 hectares – the equivalent of 2,800 football pitches – is planned for land near Dunham-on-Trent, not far from Retford.
If approved, the development will generate up to 740 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power over 200,000 homes. The site will stretch across West Lindsey, Bassetlaw, and Newark & Sherwood, with the electricity feeding into the National Grid via a connection at the now-decommissioned High Marnham power station.
The project is being brought forward by PS Renewables and Danish energy company Ørsted, which conducted a six-week public consultation last year. The companies say that feedback from local residents has influenced the final design.
In addition to the solar panels, the scheme includes an energy storage system that would allow electricity to be stored during sunny periods and released when demand is higher.
Government to Decide on Approval
Because the project would generate more than 50MW, the decision on whether to approve it will rest with the Secretary of State for Net Zero, rather than local councils. If accepted, the application will go through a detailed examination process, with a final decision expected by spring 2026.
Large-scale solar farms like this have typically been approved in recent years, with similar projects covering more than 10,000 acres already receiving the green light in West Lindsey alone.
A statement on the project’s website outlines its role in the UK’s renewable energy strategy:
“The UK has committed to reducing carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050 and fully decarbonising the power supply by 2035. This means that older forms of power generation, such as the coal-fired power station at High Marnham, are being taken out of use and need to be replaced with renewable energy sources. One Earth Solar Farm could make a significant contribution to this goal by producing enough energy for more than 200,000 homes each year.”
With renewable energy becoming an increasing priority, this ambitious project could play a major role in the region’s shift towards sustainable power generation. However, it remains to be seen how local communities and environmental groups will respond as the government weighs its decision.
