UK’s First Transmission-Connected Solar
& Co-Located
Battery Project

Overview

Larks Green is a landmark project for the UK energy market. It is:
• The first solar farm to connect directly to the National Grid transmission network
• The first co-located solar and battery project at transmission level

The project demonstrates Enso’s ability to unlock complex grid opportunities and deliver first-of-a-kind infrastructure at pace, alongside Cero Generation its JV partner.

The Opportunity

Enso identified early potential around the Iron Acton substation, where transmission capacity could support large-scale renewable generation.

The landowner at Lower Farm had:
• Been approached by multiple developers previously
• Seen projects fail due to unviable grid connections
• Faced ongoing pressure on farm viability

Enso brought something different — a secured, deliverable connection to National Grid.

Landowner Partnership

We built trust through a straightforward approach:
• Clear communication from day one
• Realistic timelines and commitments
• Flexible, long-term commercial structure

Outcome:
• Option for lease agreed within ~12 weeks
• Easements secured for the cable route
• Long-term, stable diversification income for the landowner
This is a clear example of Enso turning early-stage discussions into deliverable projects.

Planning & Development

• Planning submitted: August 2020
• Consent granted: January 2021
• Determined in under 12 months from first engagement
• No objections from local residents or statutory consultees
• Approved within the Green Belt
Enso combined grid certainty with a pragmatic planning strategy to de-risk delivery early.

Larks Green shows how Enso identifies opportunity early, builds trusted partnerships, and delivers complex infrastructure that moves the market forward.

From landowner engagement through to energisation, it is a clear example of credible, repeatable delivery at scale.

Construction & Grid Integration

Construction commenced following lease completion in September 2021.
Key delivery elements included:
• Installation of a high-voltage cable linking the site to Iron Acton substation
• New switchgear delivered in collaboration with National Grid
• Careful coordination on live transmission infrastructure
The site was delivered safely and efficiently, with strong alignment between construction and grid connection milestones.

A UK First

Larks Green set a new benchmark by enabling solar to connect directly to the transmission network — unlocking:
• Access to strategic grid capacity
• Ability to scale larger projects
• More efficient delivery of renewable power across the UK

Co-Located Battery Storage

The addition of a 50MW battery (energised November 2024) transforms the project into the UK’s first transmission-connected co-located solar + storage facility.
This enables:
• Storage of excess generation
• Export during peak demand
• Greater overall efficiency and grid stability

Scale & Impact

• 152,400 solar modules installed
• ~73,000 MWh generated annually
• Equivalent to powering 17,300 homes
• Avoids ~20,500 tonnes of CO₂ per year

The project also delivers:
• 25% biodiversity net gain
• Habitat creation, hedgerow enhancement and planting