Four solar energy companies have failed in their legal challenge to Decc's decision to end subsidies for large solar farms two years ahead of schedule.
The judicial review of the energy department’s plans to end payments under the Renewables Obligation (RO) scheme in March 2015 for solar farms larger than 5MW, rather than in 2017 when the scheme ceases to operate, was heard by the High Court.
The companies – Lark Energy, Orta, Solarcentury and TGC – argued that Decc had acted unlawfully by deciding to retrospectively pull the plug on a scheme designed to provide the industry with confidence and certainty.
The judge agreed that the action had a retrospective impact, but ruled that it was fair for Decc to set a qualification deadline identical to the very first day of the consultation period.