BayWa’s 138 MW Oaklands Farm Solar Park Approved in Derbyshire
BayWa's 138MW Oaklands Farm Solar Project Approved: What It Means for Future Electricians
The UK government has officially approved BayWa r.e.'s Oaklands Farm Solar Project, a 138MW solar and 37.5MW battery energy storage development located between Rosliston and Walton-on-Trent in Derbyshire. Granted a Development Consent Order (DCO) on 19 June 2025 by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, this marks BayWa's first NSIP (Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project) solar development in the UK, and a major milestone in the nation's clean energy transition.
Source: rechargenews.com
A Landmark in Renewable Growth
Oaklands Farm is not just another solar park. It's one of the largest of its kind in the UK and will connect to the National Grid via the Drakelow substation—formerly a coal-fired power station site. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with operations anticipated by 2028. Once operational, the site will provide enough electricity to power around 35,000 homes, contributing significantly to the UK’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.
BayWa r.e. has pledged a 125% biodiversity net gain, extensive community benefits including an annual £55,000 local project fund, underground cabling to protect views, and continued agricultural use via sheep grazing.
What This Means for Aspiring Electricians
As a specialist electrical training provider, we see major developments like Oaklands Farm as a call to action. The rapid expansion of solar, battery, and other low-carbon technologies is creating unprecedented demand for skilled electricians across the UK.
Here’s how this growth affects those training with Optima Electrical Training:
More Jobs, More Opportunity: Solar and battery installations require qualified electricians for everything from site installation to ongoing maintenance and grid connections.
Long-Term Career Security: As the UK ramps up its commitment to net-zero and clean energy, electricians will remain at the centre of that transition.
Specialised Skills in Demand: Training in 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS7671), Inspection & Testing (C&G 2391), and Electric Vehicle Charging are now vital as the green tech sector booms.
As the UK invests in the infrastructure of tomorrow, the demand for skilled electricians grows stronger by the day. Projects like Oaklands Farm prove that now is the perfect time to enter this exciting, future-proof trade.
Want to be part of the UK’s clean energy future? Start training with Optima today.
Thinking of Becoming a Qualified Electrician?
If you're looking to learn a skilled trade and be part of the renewables revolution, why not train to become a certified electrician?
At Optima, we provide comprehensive electrical training courses that equip you with the skills, qualifications, and confidence to work safely and legally in this vital industry.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your qualifications, our accredited training programmes will give you the knowledge, confidence, and credentials to meet new building standards and market demand.
✅ Hands-on training
✅ Industry-recognised certifications
✅ Expert instructors with real-world experience
✅ Courses tailored to upcoming regulations
Contact us today to embark on your training journey.
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