Pathfinder Clean Energy (PACE) has secured planning approval for its 49.9 MW Thurleigh Road Solar Farm in Bedfordshire, designed with an installed capacity of 140 MWp, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of new clean energy infrastructure in the UK.
The solar farm will be co-located with PACE’s previously consented Thurleigh Road Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), creating a highly efficient, integrated renewable energy hub.
By sharing grid infrastructure across both developments, the project will provide flexibility and reduce long term grid management costs, delivering efficiencies for the grid operator and ultimately helping to reduce costs for consumers.
Rob Denman, Managing Director at PACE, said:
“Securing planning for this innovative project is a significant milestone for PACE, combining substantial solar generation and BESS in a highly connected location in central England.
This success alongside strong results for PACE UK in Allocation Round 7a and continued progress through grid reform and pipeline permitting are clear indicators of the momentum we are building.
Our focus remains on delivering clean infrastructure that provides energy at scale while creating a platform for innovation, energy security and sustainable growth in the countries in which we operate. Thurleigh Road is a key part of that UK strategy.
Our internal construction team, PACE EPC, will now progress the project toward construction, targeting grid connection in 2027.”