RES, a renewable energy company, has submitted its 600MW Steeple Renewables Project in Nottinghamshire, UK, for Development Consent Order (DCO) approval. The Planning Inspectorate has accepted the application for examination. Located near the decommissioned West Burton power station in Sturton-le-Steeple, the project will utilize existing grid infrastructure to supply clean electricity to approximately 180,000 homes, equivalent to about half of Nottinghamshire’s households.

The initiative is anticipated to bring £224 million in construction investment and create 400 jobs during its 24-month construction phase. Additionally, it will provide a £13 million community benefits package over its operational life, supporting local development.

Will Bridges, RES’ DCO project manager: “Reaching this milestone marks a major step forward for Steeple Renewables Project, which builds on the area’s longstanding contribution to UK energy generation.” He noted refinements to the project design, stating: “We have made substantial changes to our original proposals, including reducing the area used for solar panels and increasing buffers between residential properties and the panels.” Bridges further emphasized ongoing community engagement: “We now look ahead to the examination phase and will continue to engage with the local community throughout the process.”

The project’s final design was informed by extensive technical assessments and community feedback collected during two consultation phases over the past 18 months. The initiative has now entered the pre-examination stage, allowing interested parties to submit feedback through the Planning Inspectorate and project websites. The Examining Authority will review the application over six months before making a recommendation to the Secretary of State, with a final decision expected by summer or autumn 2026.

This project aligns with efforts to expand renewable energy capacity, contributing to sustainable energy solutions and economic growth in the region.