The UK's largest power-producing solar farm has been approved by the government.

The Springwell Solar Farm could power more than 180,000 homes a year, the equivalent of half the homes in Lincolnshire. 

Granting of a development consent order marks the 25th nationally significant clean energy project approved by the government since July 2024 – enough clean energy to power the equivalent of more than 12.5 million homes.

Global instability – from Ukraine to the war in Iran – has exposed the cost of relying on fossil fuel markets Britain does not control. Government says solar is one of the cheapest forms of power available for the country and central to the government’s clean power mission to bring stability and lower bills in an uncertain world.  

Energy minister, Michael Shanks, said: “We are driving further and faster for clean homegrown power that we control to protect the British people and bring down bills for good.

“It is crucial we learn the lessons of the conflict in the Middle East – solar is one of the cheapest forms of power available and is how we get off the rollercoaster of international fossil fuel markets and secure our own energy independence.”

Springwell Solar Farm is backed by EDF power solutions UK  and Luminous Energy.

EDF power solutions UK’s director of storage, solar and private wire, Matthew Boulton said: “This decision is an important step forward for Springwell Solar Farm. We welcome the government’s approval following a thorough review of the project. 

“I would like to thank everyone who took part in the public examination process and consultations. As the project moves forward, we remain committed to working collaboratively with local communities and partners to reduce the impacts of construction while delivering long-term benefits for the region.” 

The Springwell project also includes 12km of new footpaths, more than 15km of proposed new hedgerows and a community growing area which would be available for public use. A community benefit fund would provide £400 per megawatt of installed capacity to support local projects. 

EDF power solutions and Luminous Energy will now consider the details of the consent and programme for delivery of the project, before engaging with stakeholders and the community on our plans to bring this project forward into construction. Once this is complete, it is planned for Springwell to export electricity to the national grid from 2029.