Green light for massive energy storage centre in Sompting
It'll help provide backup storage to power homes and businesses
Plans to turn a former council waste site in Sompting into a state-of-the-art energy storage facility have been given the go-ahead.
The site in Halewick Lane will be transformed into a secure location for large batteries which will store surplus energy.
That will then be released into the energy grid when production in wind and solar energy dips, to power homes and businesses.
The site, owned by West Sussex County Hospital will be developed in two phases, the first of which will be a 12MW battery system.
Work to install the cable to connect the batteries to the grid is expected to begin before June.
The authority will then have the option to expand the system within the footprint of the former waste site.
Developing the site in this way will enable the County Council to take advantage of future advances in battery technology and new opportunities in the energy market.
Deborah Urquhart, West Sussex County Council's Cabinet Member for the Environment, said:
âWith site demolition and preparation complete, Iâm delighted that we can now look forward to a new and exciting phase for Halewick Lane.
âBy using the site in this way, we are making efficient use of our existing resources and generating income while supporting the transition to clean energy in line with our Climate Change Strategy. Projects such as this also make an important, lasting contribution to our effort to reduce carbon emissions in West Sussex.â
The County Council is currently procuring a contractor to complete the design work and build the site.
Construction is expected to begin in the summer.
Solar farms have already been developed at Tangmere and Westhampnett near Chichester and a successful programme to install solar panels on more than 80 schools to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions.
These projects currently generate more than £1.5 million per year for the council.
The authority is also supporting residents to switch to solar power through the Solar Together Sussex group buying scheme. This provides a reliable, council-supported route to installing high quality, competitively priced solar panels and battery storage systems for the home.