The latest renewable energy news includes announcements on Green Hill Solar Farm, Vena Energy, BLC Energy, Maniwa Solar Project in Japan, and others.
UK Approves 500 MW Green Hill Solar Farm with 500 MW Battery Storage
UK renewable-energy developer Island Green Power has secured development consent for the Green Hill Solar Farm, combining up to 500 MW of solar generation with a 500 MW battery energy storage system. The project will be developed across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes. Approval was granted on October 8, 2026, through the UK’s Development Consent Order process for nationally significant infrastructure. The solar facility is expected to generate electricity equivalent to the annual requirements of approximately 200,000 homes. The development covers approximately 1,200 hectares, including land allocated for environmental mitigation and biodiversity improvements. Island Green Power will now progress detailed engineering, planning conditions and commercial arrangements before construction. Investment value and commissioning dates were not disclosed.
Vena Group Announces Commercial Operations at 72 MW Maniwa Solar Project in Japan
Vena Energy has announced commercial operation of its 72 MW Maniwa Solar Project in Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The project repurposes a former golf course and supports the first virtual power purchase agreement signed by LY Corporation, the operator of major Japanese internet platforms. Electricity is traded through Digital Grid Corporation on the Japan Electric Power Exchange, while the associated renewable-energy attributes are allocated to LY Corporation. The plant is expected to generate approximately 85 GWh annually, equivalent to the electricity requirements of around 18,500 households. Vena estimates annual emissions reductions of approximately 40,000 tonnes of CO₂. The facility entered operation in August, with the developer formally announcing the milestone on October 8.
BLC Energy Secures Approval for 40 MW Solar and 9 MW Battery Project in Scotland
Scottish renewable-energy developer BLC Energy, backed by funds managed by Octopus Energy Generation, has secured planning approval for the Kirknewton Solar and Battery Energy Storage Farm in West Lothian. The development combines 40 MW of solar capacity with a 9 MW battery storage system. The solar installation will include approximately 83,000 photovoltaic panels and is expected to generate around 50 GWh of electricity annually. Electricity will be exported through the Currie substation. The project includes a community benefit fund providing approximately £26,000 annually over its planned 40-year operating life. The approval follows a planning application submitted in December 2025. Construction costs and commissioning dates have not been disclosed.
