Navigating the DCO process for Sunnica Energy Farm

Why is Sunnica Energy Farm needed?

Sunnica Energy Farm arrives at a critical moment in the UK’s transition to renewable energy. As the country shifts away from non-renewable power stations, there’s a growing need for alternatives that not only generate clean energy but also ensure a consistent and reliable supply.

Since renewable sources like wind and solar are inherently dependent on weather conditions, their energy production can fluctuate. This is where battery storage becomes essential.

By capturing surplus energy generated during peak sunny periods, the battery storage at Sunnica will ensure that power is available when it’s needed most – even when the sun isn’t shining. This stored energy can then be released directly back into the grid whenever demand rises, helping maintain a balanced, resilient electricity supply.

Battery storage can also help prolong the lifespan of vital solar equipment and the national grid infrastructure by preventing energy surges, ensuring the technology remains efficient and sustainable over time.

Applying our DCO expertise to turn vision into reality

Sunnica Energy Farm is classified a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and required a Development Consent Order (DCO) from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. With extensive experience in supporting over 80 NSIPs to date, including supporting the development consent for Longfield Solar Farm in Essex (also a PS Renewables development), we were well-placed to support Sunnica through this complex process.

Our specialists undertook a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), evaluating all aspects of the project’s potential impact on the landscape, ecology, biodiversity and land use. This rigorous assessment was key to demonstrating that the energy farm would not only meet regulatory requirements but also deliver a nature-positive outcome upon completion.

Alongside the EIA, we provided planning support and the electrical design of the onsite substation and cabling, so that the solar panels and battery storage systems can be efficiently integrated into the national grid.

Designing for Biodiversity Net Gain

By embedding habitat creation into the site designs, we’ve ensured that the energy farm not only generates clean energy but also fosters thriving ecosystems, demonstrating how solar farms can become “safe havens for biodiversity” and play an “important role” in nature restoration.

This will result in 292 hectares of new biodiverse habitats being established, including planting native hedgerows, creating wildflower meadows, and developing wildlife corridors to support local species.

Our biodiversity net gain (BNG) assessment concluded that the project is on track to achieve an impressive 83 per cent net gain in habitat units, 16 per cent in hedgerow units and 1 per cent in river units – far surpassing the requirement at the time for no net change.