EDF Power Solutions has taken a significant stride in the UK’s renewable energy landscape, acquiring the 500MW Gate Burton Energy Park solar and storage project in Lincolnshire from Low Carbon. This deal is notable as it marks a major milestone for one of the first large-scale Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) to receive consent following the 2024 general election.
Gate Burton, which was granted a Development Consent Order in July 2024, is poised to deliver clean electricity to power around 160,000 homes annually. The project’s co-located battery storage component is designed to provide grid flexibility and reduce reliance on fossil fuels during periods of intermittent renewable generation.
“This milestone marks the next step forward for Gate Burton,” said Low Carbon chief executive Roy Bedlow. He added: “This agreement underscores our track record of delivering high-quality renewable assets and our growth as a leading independent power producer.”
EDF’s acquisition aligns with its ambition to scale solar and storage to meet the UK’s future energy needs. “We’re excited to bring this project into our growing portfolio,” said Matthew Boulton, director of solar, storage and private wire at EDF Power Solutions UK.
The sale is expected to bolster Low Carbon’s development pipeline, which includes over 1GW of operational and under-construction assets. The company anticipates beginning construction on more than 400MW of additional UK solar and battery projects over the next 18 months.
This acquisition could signal a shift in the renewable energy sector, potentially encouraging other developers to bring forward large-scale projects. It also highlights the growing importance of battery storage in ensuring grid stability and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources. As the UK continues to grapple with energy security and net-zero targets, such projects will be crucial in shaping the future of the energy landscape. The deal underscores the increasing role of independent power producers in driving the transition to clean energy and the strategic importance of large-scale solar and storage projects in achieving national energy goals.