Whitestone is currently our largest proposed Solar Farm generating station, with an estimated capacity of up to 750MW, connecting to the National Grid Long Lane 400kV Substation. The development comprises of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, an associated Battery Energy Storage System, onsite cabling, a collector substation and satellite substations, and other associated and ancillary development.

The UK is a global leader in the fight against climate change. We made a legally binding agreement to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

As part of this target, we have pledged to eliminate all fossil fuels from the power supply as the Clean Power 2030 mission. By replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy generated here in the UK, we can not only help reduce carbon pollution, but also support energy security and help reduce future energy costs.

We have already made significant progress, but there's more work to do. The last coal power station in the UK, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, was shut down at the end of September 2024, but we still use a significant amount of natural gas to generate electricity. This requires new renewable energy sources to be developed to replace the older forms of energy production.

• The UK is a good location for solar power. Technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, so that panels can now absorb energy even on cloudy days, and rainy weather helps keep the panels clean and cool.
• Wind and solar energy work well together – generally, the sun shines when the wind isn't blowing, and vice versa.
• Batteries help balance the power supply, to store energy until it is needed the most.

At the same time, our demand for electricity continues to increase. As other sectors cut their reliance on fossil fuels, they are shifting to electricity for their power needs. For example, by replacing gas boilers and traditional vehicles with heat pumps and electric cars, our demand for electricity is projected to double by 2050.

This all means we need many more renewable energy sources to come online and quickly. The current policy calls for ramping up development of a mix of renewable energy sources, including onshore and offshore wind, rooftop and ground-mounted solar.

Large scale solar is a key part of the solution; it is a tried and tested technology that is ready to be built now, can be constructed quickly and safely, and generate large amounts of energy. When constructed, Whitestone would generate enough electricity to supply up to 250,000 homes or 35 large hospitals with clean, renewable energy¹.”

• 1W → 1,000W = 1KW — The average LED lightbulb uses about 10 watts (W) / An average rooftop solar installation generates 4 kilowatts (kW), enough to power the home it sits on during the day
• 1,000KW = 1MW — An onshore wind turbine generates 2–3 MW, which is enough to power a large hospital
• 1,000MW = 1GW — Whitestone would deliver up to 750MW to the grid, enough to power 250,000 homes / Ratcliffe-on-Soar generated 2 GW, enough to power a small city

¹ This is based on the average energy consumption of 3,200 kWh per year per home, and the average energy consumption of Sheffield Northern General Hospital.

For more information visit https://whitestonesolarfarm.co.uk/