Danish renewable energy giants Ørsted are proposing to build a solar farm capable of generating enough energy for 100,000 homes on a site in the East Riding of Yorkshire.
Ørsted are launching the project with a non-statutory consultation with local stakeholders, which they will use to inform and develop their initial proposals.
The proposed farm, with a capacity of approximately 320 MW, would be built to the east of the A164, three miles north of Beverley.
Due to its generating capacity being over 50 MW, Kingfisher would be classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), so instead of applying to a local authority for planning permission, Ørsted will apply directly to the Planning Inspectorate for a Development Consent Order. The final decision will be made by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
It is expected that the DCO application will be submitted early next year.
The solar farm will connect to the grid at the Creyke Beck substation via a 17km underground cable running along the same onshore cable corridor Ørsted use for their Hornsea 4 Offshore Wind Farm.
If granted consent, Kingfisher is expected to be operational by the end of 2030, providing clean energy for up to six decades.
Four consultation events will be held across the area, from 3rd February to 9th March 2025. A virtual consultation will also take place at a date to be confirmed.
Randall Linfoot, Ørsted’s programme manager for Kingfisher, said: ‘Kingfisher Solar Farm will provide green energy for around 100,000 British households, making a significant contribution toward meeting the country’s ambitious plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
‘We will also be delivering real benefits for the communities we are working in if the project is approved, including increasing wildlife and habitat areas around our solar array, and having a community benefit fund that will deliver lasting, tangible benefits for local people. We will be investing in local initiatives and engaging small and medium sized businesses in the area to see how they can secure work through our supply chain. Ørsted has been working in the Humber region for over a decade, with several offshore wind farms situated in the North Sea; we employ over 600 people in the Humber region already.
‘We look forward to sharing more details on our proposals with local residents and businesses through this consultation. We are engaging with communities as early as possible to help us refine our plans for Kingfisher Solar Farm and ensure their views are heard, understood, and used to shape our plans where we can.’
Photo: Zbynek Burival