The proposals are for a 90MW BESS and associated infrastructure which would cover 4.3 acres/1.7 hectares of brownfield land. The number of homes powered by the BESS would be the equivalent of 272,000 homes for 1 hour, or roughly all the homes within County Durham.
BESS assists the addition of more intermittent renewable generation to the UK electricity system and is seen as a crucial enabler of the energy transition. It is considered essential electrical infrastructure, for which an urgent need has been identified by the National Grid and UK Government.
Battery storage solves the problem of matching supply and demand by storing excess energy when demand is low and releasing it when demand is high or releasing it when supply is low. This project will therefore play an important part in adding more renewable generation, lowering carbon emissions, balancing the UK electricity system, reducing energy bills over the medium to long term and support domestic energy security.
The site will be well screened by existing vegetation which will minimise any visual impact. This taken together with wider ecological enhancements, would help to deliver a Biodiversity Net Gain of at least 10% on site, in line with national and local policy requirements.
About Solarig:
Solarig, founded in 2005, is a leading renewable energy company specializing in solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Operating in 12 countries, it ranks among the top three global operations and maintenance providers, managing over 13 GW of capacity with 1,300+ employees. In the UK, Solarig focuses on solar PV and BESS, with a BESS development pipeline exceeding 2.6 GW, supporting the UK’s net-zero transition.
About TRP:
Third Revolution Projects are a planning consultancy with a long record in delivering renewable energy developments. Our expert renewable energy planning team oversees the production of a suite of relevant technical documents to support and manage a project through the planning process. Our proven track record has delivered an impressive national portfolio of renewable energy development.
About Instinctif Partners:
Instinctif Partners are a communications consultancy with offices in the UK and around the world. Instinctif are specialists in public consultation and stakeholder engagement for the built environment and energy sectors. We have worked extensively on renewable energy projects across the UK.