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UK Approves Country's 2nd Largest Solar Farm to Boost Clean Energy Push

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The UK said on Thursday it had approved the One Earth Solar Farm, which is set to become the country's second-largest solar project, as it accelerates efforts to expand domestic renewable energy and reduce reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the project could generate enough electricity to power over 200,000 homes per year, equivalent to around half the homes in Lincolnshire.

"The only way to have energy security is if we take a pro-growth approach to building more clean energy in Britain. For 2 years that is exactly what this government has done," said Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.

The UK said that geopolitical tensions, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Middle East conflict, have highlighted the risks of dependence on international fossil fuel markets and reinforced the case for expanding renewable energy.

Solar power is among the cheapest sources of electricity available in Britain and forms a key part of the government's target to build a clean power system while helping to shield households and businesses from volatile energy prices.

The approval also follows planning reforms announced last week that will remove mandatory pre-application consultation requirements for major infrastructure projects.

The UK said the changes, delivered through the Planning and Infrastructure Act, could reduce planning timelines by up to 12 months and save the industry about 1 billion British pounds ($1.34 billion).

The latest government data, published in June, showed that 2025 was the country's strongest year on record for solar deployment, with about 269,000 installations completed nationwide.

Following planning consent, the One Earth Solar Farm developer can proceed with the next stage of the project, including meeting planning conditions before construction begins.

The government said the project underwent a full planning assessment covering impacts on local communities, land use and the environment, adding that solar developments occupy a small share of Britain's agricultural land while contributing to national energy security.

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