Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 25, The UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has officially granted development consent for the Stonestreet Green Solar project in Ashford, Kent, following the Planning Inspectorate’s recommendation for approval. The project, to be developed by EPL 001—a subsidiary of Evolution Power—will include a solar photovoltaic array, an energy storage system, and associated infrastructure for grid connection, with a total generation capacity exceeding 50 megawatts (MW).

The project includes a solar photovoltaic array along with energy storage and essential infrastructure for grid connection.

The Stonestreet Green Solar project will be located at Aldington and is designed to contribute to the UK’s renewable energy expansion. The application for development consent was submitted by Evolution Power to the Planning Inspectorate on 11 June 2024 and was accepted for examination on 9 July 2024. Over a six-month review period, public representatives, statutory consultees such as local authorities, and stakeholders were invited to provide feedback and evidence to the examining authority.

The Planning Inspectorate completed its assessment within the statutory timeframe and submitted its final recommendation to the Secretary of State on 11 August 2025. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero subsequently approved the project based on the Inspectorate’s findings. This marks the 99th energy-related application approved among the 166 examined by late October 2025.

Evolution Power director Conor McNally stated: “Evolution Power welcomes the decision by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero to grant a development consent order for the Stonestreet Green Solar project, following a recommendation to approve from the Planning Inspectorate. Stonestreet Green Solar will make a significant contribution towards the UK’s Clean Power 2030 targets, whilst also providing 99.9MW of co-located battery storage capacity. We look forward to progressing the project in due course.”

The examining authority noted that its recommendation was based on careful consideration of all submitted evidence, including local concerns and environmental assessments. The project is expected to deliver substantial benefits in terms of clean energy generation and emissions reduction.

With an export capacity of up to 99.9MW, the Stonestreet Green Solar project will be capable of supplying electricity to approximately 42,000 homes. It is also expected to reduce carbon emissions by more than 34,000 tonnes annually once operational. The integration of large-scale battery storage will enhance grid stability and ensure a more reliable supply of renewable electricity.

The project represents a further step in the UK’s commitment to expanding renewable generation capacity and decarbonizing its power sector. Through projects like Stonestreet Green Solar, the government aims to strengthen its energy security, support local economic activity, and advance progress toward national clean energy targets under the Clean Power 2030 initiative.