South Kent Energy Park
South Kent Energy Park is being proposed by Low Carbon on land either side of the A259 near Old Romney.
The proposal is for a solar panel and on-site battery energy storage system capable of generating up to 500 MW of power.
It has been put forward by Low Carbon which states that the park would produce the equivalent of power to 140,000 homes every year.
It is proposed that South Kent Energy Park would connect directly to the transmission network – the highest-voltage part of the UK electrical grid. This would be via the existing Dungeness substation or a new one to be built nearby.
New planting within the energy park to encourage biodiversity is suggested by the company along with further landscape and habitat management opportunities.
Size
The energy park is proposed for 600 hectares (1482.6 acres) of agricultural land.
Consultation
The council is not responsible for consultation.
Low Carbon’s first stage consultation was held at the end of 2024 up to mid-January 2025. Further engagement has been promised by the company.
Decision maker
As the development proposes to produce in excess of 100 MW it would be considered by the Planning Inspectorate. After the proposals have been scrutinised and the planning inspectors have made a recommendation, the final decision will be made by the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Low Carbon states on its website that it anticipates submitting a planning application at the end of 2026.
As the local authority, Folkestone & Hythe District Council will be consulted on the final planning proposal.