Introduction
Renewco Power, together with development partner Locogen, has secured planning permission for Harehill Energy Park, a solar and battery energy storage project near Shotton Colliery, County Durham. The project comprises up to 31.5 MW of Solar PV and a 10.35 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). Planning permission was granted following a successful planning appeal in July 2026.
Location
Harehill Energy Park is located at Harehill Farm, near Shotton Colliery in County Durham. The site lies to the south of the B1283, approximately 9km east of Durham, and comprises agricultural land surrounding Harehill Farm. The consented development comprises a solar photovoltaic (PV) array and associated battery energy storage system (BESS).
Our Proposal
Harehill Energy Park comprises a solar photovoltaic (PV) development alongside a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated infrastructure. The consented development includes:
Why is this project needed?
The UK is transitioning towards a cleaner, more secure energy system, requiring significant additional renewable electricity generation and energy storage capacity.
Harehill Energy Park will contribute to this transition by generating renewable electricity from solar energy, while the battery energy storage system will provide flexibility by storing electricity and releasing it when it is needed.
By delivering additional renewable generation and energy storage capacity, Harehill Energy Park will contribute towards the UK Government’s Net Zero targets, while helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the decarbonisation of the electricity system.
Planning Permission
The UK is transitioning towards a cleaner, more secure energy system, requiring significant additional renewable electricity generation and energy storage capacity.
Harehill Energy Park will contribute to this transition by generating renewable electricity from solar energy, while the battery energy storage system will provide flexibility by storing electricity and releasing it when it is needed.
By delivering additional renewable generation and energy storage capacity, Harehill Energy Park will contribute towards the UK Government’s Net Zero targets, while helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the decarbonisation of the electricity system.
Grid Connection
Harehill Energy Park has secured Gate 2 Phase 2 status under the reformed electricity connection process. The project also has a Technical Limits connection opportunity from Q4 2029, allowing the project to connect ahead of completion of the wider transmission reinforcement works, subject to the final connection arrangements. Grid connection and operation are therefore currently anticipated in Q4 2029.
Indicative Development Timescale
Q1 2021
Site Selection
2023-2024
Preliminary Assessments Site Design and Public Engagement
December 2024
Planning Application submitted
July 2025
Planning Application refused
June 2026
Planning Appeal hearing
July 2026
Planning permission granted following successful appeal
Late 2026
Detailed Gate 2 connection offer expected
2027 - early 2029
Detailed design, discharge of planning conditions and pre-construction activities
Q1 2029
Anticipated start of construction
Q4 2029
Anticipated grid connection and operation
2070
Decommissioning
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