CottamRyhall
About this Project
Cottam Ryhall is Empower Projects’ flagship East Midlands development, a 400 MW transmission-connected project combining 560 MWp of solar generation with 400 MW of battery energy storage, targeting a 2034 connection to the National Grid.
The project takes its name from two of the region’s most significant grid nodes: the Cottam 400kV substation at the former Cottam Power Station site near Retford, Nottinghamshire, and the Ryhall 400kV substation on the Rutland-Lincolnshire border near Stamford. This corridor has become the UK’s most concentrated zone for grid-scale solar development, benefiting from the residual transmission capacity left by decommissioned coal-fired generation. A Gate 2 grid offer has been accepted, and land options have been signed in line with the PEG design requirements, with additional land already identified for future phases.
Planning Status and Milestones
Planning has not yet been submitted. The project is at an advanced pre-application stage with land options secured and grid offer accepted. A Gate 2 submission has been filed, and additional land has been identified beyond the core requirements of the PEG design. Planning submission is anticipated ahead of the 2034 connection target. At 400 MW, the project may be subject to NSIP consenting through the Planning Inspectorate rather than local authority determination.
Connection Details
The project connects to the National Grid transmission network, connecting at either Cottam or Ryhall 400kV substations, or both, as part of a multi-site configuration. Export and import capacity are both 400 MVA. Gate 2 securities will be confirmed in the offer currently under review. The project is classified as a transmission-connected development, with no DNO connection cost applicable. The Cottam substation has substantial residual capacity from the decommissioning of the 2GW Cottam coal plant in 2019, while Ryhall serves as the connection point for the recently approved Mallard Pass Solar Farm.
Site and Surrounding Area
The project sits within the flat to gently undulating agricultural lowlands of the East Midlands, traversed by the River Trent valley and the East Coast Main Line. The immediate area spans the Nottinghamshire-Lincolnshire border and extends toward Rutland in the south. This landscape is characterised by productive arable farmland at or near Grade 2 classification, with the Trent floodplain and associated drainage channels a notable feature. The market town of Stamford lies close to the Ryhall substation, while Gainsborough and Retford serve the Cottam area. The corridor has already seen multiple nationally significant solar consents granted, reflecting the region’s established role in the UK’s large-scale solar transition.
Current Status
Planning
Not
Started
Land
Options Signed (Gate
2 Requirements)
Grid Offer
Offer Accepted (Gate
2 Submitted)
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