One Earth Solar Farm Order 2026: Authorizes Construction and Land Acquisition

The One Earth Solar Farm Order 2026, a statutory instrument in the UK, authorises One Earth Solar Farm Limited to construct, operate, maintain, and decommission a large-scale solar photovoltaic generating station and acquire land for this purpose.

This Order represents a significant legal development for renewable energy infrastructure in the UK. It grants One Earth Solar Farm Limited, referred to as the 'undertaker,' comprehensive powers to develop a ground-mounted solar farm with a gross electrical output capacity exceeding 50 megawatts. Crucially, the Order explicitly permits the undertaker to acquire land and rights in land, either compulsorily or by agreement, to facilitate the project. This broad authorisation covers the entire lifecycle of the project, from initial construction through to its eventual decommissioning, providing a clear legal framework for its implementation.

The legal significance of such an Order for practitioners is substantial. For developers in the renewable energy sector, it demonstrates the continued governmental support for large-scale green energy projects and the availability of robust legal mechanisms, such as Development Consent Orders (DCOs), to facilitate their delivery. The inclusion of compulsory acquisition powers is particularly noteworthy, as it can significantly de-risk project timelines by providing a mechanism to secure necessary land rights where voluntary agreements cannot be reached. Conversely, for landowners and those advising them, this highlights the potential for their property to be subject to compulsory purchase, necessitating a thorough understanding of their rights and compensation entitlements.

This Order falls squarely within the UK's Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) regime, established by the Planning Act 2008. Projects exceeding 50MW electrical generating capacity are typically classified as NSIPs, requiring a DCO rather than traditional planning permission. DCOs are statutory instruments made by the relevant Secretary of State following a rigorous examination process by the Planning Inspectorate. The powers of compulsory acquisition are governed by specific legislation, including the Compulsory Purchase Act 1965 and the Land Compensation Act 1961, which ensure a structured process for valuation and compensation. The term 'undertaker' is standard nomenclature in UK infrastructure legislation.

Practitioners advising renewable energy developers should closely monitor the specific conditions and requirements embedded within such DCOs, as they often contain detailed obligations regarding environmental mitigation, community engagement, and operational standards. For lawyers representing landowners, it is imperative to be well-versed in the procedures for challenging DCOs and negotiating fair compensation under compulsory purchase rules. All parties should be aware that these Orders are legally binding and provide a powerful mandate for project delivery, making early engagement and expert legal advice critical for both proponents and affected parties.