RES launches early informal consultation on Steeple Renewables Project
RES consults on early plans for nationally significant renewables project near to West Burton Power Station and Sturton-le-Steeple
RES, the world's largest independent renewable energy company has launched informal consultation on early plans for a nationally significant renewable energy project near to West Burton Power Station and in Sturton-le-Steeple, Nottinghamshire. The land under consideration is located adjacent to the recently decommissioned West Burton Power Station, and RES has an agreement in place to utilise 600MW of surplus grid capacity. The project is at an early stage, but it is thought the land could support up to 400MW of solar energy generation and 200MW of battery storage. If progressed, the plans could be capable of producing enough renewable electricity each year to power around half of the homes in Nottinghamshire.
The early informal consultation will run for six weeks from Monday 23 October until Monday 4 December 2023 with in-person events being held on:
Friday 3 November, 2pm-7pm at South Leverton Memorial Institute, Town St, South Leverton, Retford DN22 0BT
Saturday 4 November, 10am-2pm at Sturton Hall and Conference Centre, Brickings Way, Sturton le Steeple, Retford DN22 9HY
People who are unable to make the events can view the early proposals at a virtual exhibition at www.steeplerenewablesproject.co.uk from Friday 3 November or sign up to attend a webinar being held on Wednesday 22 November from 6pm-7pm.
Will Bridges, RES Project Manager said: "Our plans are at an early stage, with ongoing technical work taking place to fully understand the suitability of the site. We want to involve the local community from the outset and are undertaking this early informal consultation to introduce the plans and invite early feedback.
"This renewable energy project, alongside other proposals, embraces the historic role that the area has played in powering the UK. We believe there is an opportunity to build on this legacy and ensure that Nottinghamshire continues to play an important role in the UK's future energy generation.
"We'd encourage local residents to provide their feedback on our early plans by attending one of our in-person events or visiting the project website."
Printed copies of the informal consultation material can also be collected during opening hours at:
· Sturton Hall and Conference Centre, Brickings Way, Sturton le Steeple, Retford DN22 9HY
· Gainsborough Library, Cobden St, Gainsborough DN21 2NG
The project would represent a £224 million investment during construction creating 400 jobs over the 24-month build programme. RES is also keen to develop a community benefits package tailored to the needs and priorities of the local community, including RES' unique Local Electricity Discount Scheme (LEDS).
Due to the amount of renewable energy that could be generated, it is anticipated that Steeple Renewables Project will be considered a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) requiring a Development Consent Order (DCO). Formal, statutory consultation is planned for 2024.
Feedback received during the informal consultation will be considered and used alongside ongoing environmental and technical work, to refine and develop detailed proposals to be presented to the community for statutory consultation in 2024. If people would like more information, they can contact the project team by emailing info@steeplerenewablesproject.co.uk or by phone on 0151 7812 070.
