Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The Applicant for the Castle Way Energy DCO submission to the Planning Inspectorate will be BSSL Derbyshire 1 Ltd. BSSL Derbyshire 1 Ltd. is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) company and wholly owned subsidiary of Brockwell Energy, created to develop Castle Way Energy.

Brockwell Energy is a multi-technology Independent Power Producer (IPP) specialising in renewable energy infrastructure. Since 2017, Brockwell have created a pipeline of 3.5GW of projects in onshore wind, solar and battery storage, and leading the way in setting new standards in the renewable energy industry.

Brockwell Energy is committed to providing innovative energy solutions that drive growth and progress, enabling the UK to meet the demands of a sustainable future. Brockwell’s projects prioritise environmental responsibility and focus on building energy solutions that bring lasting value, and support both economic growth and ecological resistance.

Castle Way Energy is a proposed ground-mounted solar energy generating station and battery energy storage system located to the northwest of Derby. The project would connect up-to 300 megawatts of solar power, along with up-to 200 megawatts of battery storage, to the electricity transmission network at National Grid’s Willington East substation. Our proposals also include associated infrastructure, works to create, enhance and maintain the natural environment, and a Legacy Fund that would provide financial contributions to local projects.

One of the key factors for determining an appropriate location for solar farms is the proximity of the site to a suitable Point of Connection (POC) to export power to the electricity distribution network. Brockwell Energy have an agreement with National Grid for a 300MW connection into the Willington 400kV East substation.

Alongside the POC suitability, the site selection process looked at other various sensitive receptors, planning considerations and sites with environmental designation.

The power generated from Castle Way Energy will feed directly into the national grid. The UK’s National Grid is structured around industrial hubs meaning that electricity generated from solar farms is inputted into the grid and allocated according to national demand.

Whilst Castle Way Energy will not reduce your energy bills overnight, it will contribute to boosting the UK’s energy security, which should help to reduce the volatility of energy prices in the future. Solar power is significantly cheaper to produce than power from fossil fuel sources.

Castle Way Energy will be classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) under the Planning Act (2008) because it would generate more than 100 megawatts (MW) of power.

NSIPs apply for planning permission through the Development Consent Order (DCO) process. DCO applications are subject to detailed scrutiny by an independent panel of inspectors appointed by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), before the final decision about whether or not to grant planning consent is determined by the Secretary of State. Although the local planning authority doesn’t decide whether or not to approve the application, they are a key consultee involved throughout the DCO process and in helping to shape the final decision.

For more information on the DCO application process, please visit the Planning Inspectorate’s website.

Brockwell Energy will be engaging with the local community and relevant local organisations to understand feedback and discover how to best deliver value to the nearby community. Castle Way Energy represents a significant investment in the local area and ensuring a lasting and effective community offering is a priority for Brockwell.

Castle Way Energy will be completing an extensive engagement programme, with the first round of consultation taking place in early 2026, and the formal statutory consultation taking place later in 2026. These consultation periods will provide an opportunity for the local community to share their thoughts on the proposals and inform the ongoing design process.

We are currently aiming to submit a Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the Planning Inspectorate in 2027.

We are currently working to a timeline that would see the decision made by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero by 2029.

We would then expect that construction will take approximately 18-24 months to complete.

We are committed to designing the scheme to complement the surrounding area. We will seek to retain as much of the existing trees and hedgerow as possible, and where beneficial, there will be landscaping improvements, including screening, to minimise visual impact and strengthen landscape character and structure. A detailed landscape and biodiversity enhancement plan will be included with the planning application.

Solar farms have been proven to produce a biodiversity benefit, and Brockwell Energy are committed to ensuring that impacts are minimised and that the project will deliver biodiversity and habitat improvements.

The project team are undertaking a series of assessments and surveys related to ecology, biodiversity, and habitat management. This work has involved several species-specific surveys and a botanical survey. Castle Way Energy presents an opportunity to bring significant ecological and biodiversity enhancements as part of a comprehensive biodiversity management plan to the area.

Castle Way Energy is currently undertaking land classification assessments which will form a critical part of the design. Solar farms play an important role in supporting the continued food supply in the UK, primarily through addressing climate change which is the single biggest threat to food security. Solar also cuts costs for farmers by providing a direct and long-term revenue stream, ensuring that farms remain profitable for future generations. Solar farms also support the long-term viability of agricultural land by giving time for over-cultivated land to ‘rest’ and recover soil nutrients.

Solar panels are generally mounted on frames which are driven into the ground on spikes. Normally, no concrete bases are required for the panels which means that the dispersal of rainwater can continue into the ground. Where more permanent bases are required (such as for the transformers) extensive assessment is undertaken, with mitigation provided.

Brockwell Energy will complete an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which will demonstrate that we have undertaken extensive assessment of drainage and flood risk and put in place any mitigation measures to ensure that there is no net increase in water runoff from the site.

Solar farms have very few moving parts and generate very little noise. Transformers are required to convert the electricity to the correct voltage to export, and although not particularly noisy, they do generate a ‘low hum’ at close distances.

Visibility of the site from surrounding areas will be a key design consideration. The height of the panels will be relatively low lying therefore much of the site won’t be visible from most local communities.

Provision of mitigation, such as additional screening planting and enhancing the hedgerows throughout the site will also improve screening from local roads and villages.

We are still at an early stage of the process, and the design will be refined during the course of the project. The final proposals will be shaped by the feedback received through the consultation process and all design decisions will be taken in the long-term interest of the project and local area.

We will be working with conservation officers and relevant stakeholders to agree measures to protect any archaeological finds. These works will be undertaken as a part of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) which will need to demonstrate that we have undertaken extensive assessment of any potential archaeological finds.

Brockwell Energy is committed to being a force for good for all our neighbours and host communities.

Alongside the benefits that this project brings in terms of net zero, and energy security and affordability, Brockwell also aims to bring localised benefits to the area by working with those local communities hosting this project through offering a Legacy Fund. Brockwell Energy will seek views on how this Legacy Fund could be delivered, including different options for the distribution of this funding in our statutory consultation.