RWE, the UK’s largest power generator, has received official planning consent for its 180 MW Byers Gill Solar and Battery Storage Project, located between Stockton and Darlington in North East England. This milestone marks RWE’s largest approved co-located solar and storage development in the UK.
Due to its scale exceeding 50 MW, the project underwent rigorous assessment under the UK’s Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) regime. The application, initially submitted in February 2024, was approved by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The Byers Gill project combines a 180 MW (AC) solar farm with a 180 MW (AC) battery energy storage system, enhancing energy reliability by storing and supplying power during peak demand. Once operational, it will generate enough low-carbon electricity to supply over 70,000 typical UK homes annually.
Beyond energy generation, the project pledges significant local benefits—including biodiversity enhancement, new wildlife habitats, and ongoing agricultural use of the land. Adam Swarbrick, RWE UK’s Head of Solar and Storage, noted the project’s importance in reinforcing the UK’s energy security and lauded the company’s successful navigation of the NSIP process.
Byers Gill joins RWE’s growing UK portfolio, which includes 11 solar projects currently under construction and the recent energisation of the Langford site. These efforts collectively contribute 577 MW (AC) of solar capacity and 105 MW (AC) of co-located battery storage to the grid.
