The solar array will be constructed on agricultural land between Rosliston and Walton-on-Trent in southern Derbyshire. The project includes a 37.5MW battery energy storage system co-located at the site. The facility is expected to connect to the Drakelow substation, near the site of the former Drakelow coal-fired power station close to Burton-upon-Trent.
Christine McGregor, BayWa r.e. UK managing director, stated: “Oaklands Farm solar park marks our fourth planning approval this year, bringing our total of consented solar power in 2025 to 235MW and reinforcing our role as a leading renewable developer in the UK.” She added: “The project will add meaningful renewable capacity in the near term, helping to accelerate the UK government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.”
Daniel Gäfke, the company’s chief operating officer, said: “Securing NSIP approval for Oaklands Farm is a pivotal achievement that reinforces BayWa r.e.’s leading position as a developer of renewable energy projects.” He further noted: “This process demands the highest standards of planning, environmental stewardship and stakeholder engagement, and we are proud to have met these benchmarks in the UK.”
This project marks BayWa r.e.’s first solar Development Consent Order in the UK. Construction is set to start in 2026, with the facility expected to be operational by 2028. The Oaklands Farm solar project will contribute significantly to the UK’s renewable energy goals, supporting the transition to sustainable energy sources.
