Battery energy storage system (BESS) operator Root-Power has received planning permission to build a 拢45m renewable energy storage facility in Leicestershire, after gaining planning approval on appeal.
The 100 MW development on the banks of the River Soar near Kegworth is expected to play a role in storing surplus energy generated from low carbon and renewable sources and then releasing it back to the National Grid.
The new BESS facility will connect to the local grid infrastructure, helping to support the energy transition away from the former coal-fired Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station to clean energy.
In its appeal, Root-Power allayed concerns around potential flood risks on the site by emphasising its plans to build the facility above ground level and allow flood water to pass underneath. Additional flood water storage through a sunken storage tank has also been incorporated into the final design to provide further defences.
Managing director Neil Brooks said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e delighted to have won our planning appeal to build this new BESS facility in Leicestershire, as it will greatly benefit local people and play a vital environmental role in storing and supplying renewable energy to meet the sustainability needs of the National Grid. It will help balance electricity supply during peak grid demand, prevent outages and help stabilise and reduce energy prices that impact thousands of residents and businesses nearby.
鈥淒uring the planning phase, we鈥檝e allayed any concerns around flooding and demonstrated a strong commitment to sensitively landscaping areas of the development to achieve high biodiversity net gains that preserve and enhance local wildlife and conservation.
鈥淲e look forward to providing clean, flexible electricity to the National Grid and safeguarding the power needs of communities in the local area over the next 15-20 years.鈥�