Powering growth for a more secure future

Castle Way Energy

Castle Way Energy is a proposed solar and battery energy storage project located to the west of Derby that would generate electricity for around 81,000 homes. A DCO application is targeted for submission to the Planning Inspectorate in mid 2027. The project will connect to the electricity transmission network at Willington East 400 kV Substation.

Castle Way in numbers
Updates & milestones
Environmental focus
Community
Further Information
Latest news
Project overview

Smarter solar. Better storage.

Castle Way Energy combines utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) generation with battery energy storage on a single site. The integration of these technologies enables renewable electricity to be generated during the day and stored for use when demand is higher, helping to balance the grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The project is located to the west of Derby, in the South Derbyshire area, and will connect to the electricity transmission network at Willington East 400 kV Substation. A DCO application is targeted for submission to the Planning Inspectorate by late 2027.

Current status: Phase 1 engagement underway

300

MW solar capacity

200

MW battery storage

81,000

homes powered, approximately

Updates & milestones

June - July 2026

Phase 1 engagement

Late 2026

Phase 2 engagement (anticipated)

Mid 2027

DCO Application submission (targeted)

Working with environment

We will develop opportunities for new wildlife habitat creation, tree planting, and biodiversity net gain measures alongside the renewable energy infrastructure, with the aim of leaving the natural environment in a better state than before. Similar to our other large DCO scheme, East Park Energy, we will be partnering with Rothamsted Research to develop a comprehensive strategy for improving soil quality over the life of the project, integrating farming alongside the project where possible, and advancing soil science research for the broader renewable energy industry with a dedicated soils research area.

  • Community engagement & benefits

    Phase 1 engagement is now underway, running from 16 June to 28 July 2026. Local residents, landowners and other stakeholders are invited to review the proposals, share local knowledge and help shape the design of the project. This first phase of engagement also offers an opportunity for the community to help develop a Legacy Fund that will provide financial contributions to local groups, projects and initiatives. Following Phase 1, the team will consider the feedback received alongside ongoing technical and environmental assessments, before returning for Phase 2 engagement later in 2026.

Further information

You can read our project brochure, browse an interactive map of the site, and submit feedback via our project website at castlewayenergy.co.uk