Plans for a battery energy storage site on Shropshire airfield
The BESS could be based on land east of Rednal Airfield
Plans have been submitted for a large energy storage unit on a former airfield near Oswestry that could power 163,350 homes a year.
Elmya Energy, an infrastructure company based in Seville in Spain that has operated in the UK for over 10 years, has targeted land east of Rednal Airfield.
A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) stores excess energy created during strong winds, bright sun, or periods of low demand. They can then release the energy when demand is high, even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing.
This means homes and businesses can be powered consistently at all hours of the day, making the technology essential in the replacement of fossil fuels and imported energy.
Elmya has been working on the project with European renewables company Renewable Power Capital, and says the proposed site was carefully selected to minimise its environmental and community impact.
It added that it can play a vital role in both supporting Shropshire Council’s climate commitments to cut carbon emissions by 2030, as well as ensuring national energy security.
Earlier this year, the company ran a two-week consultation where people could provide its feedback. Now, it has submitted a full planning application to Shropshire Council.
The planning statement provided by Sarah Curnow of Stephenson Halliday says the 300MW BESS will be on 9.8 hectares of land for a temporary occupation period of 40 years.
“The facility will provide balancing services to the National Grid to maintain sufficient power on the grid at times of high demand and low renewables output, or absorb power from the grid when excess renewable energy is being generated,” said Ms Curnow.
“The balancing of the grid in this way provides essential support for the continuing deployment of renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
“In turn, this proposal contributes to national energy security and helping
to tackle climate change.
“The proposed development will consist of battery container units which have a similar appearance to shipping containers. Associated infrastructure includes transformer containers, substation, control cabins, fencing, CCTV, water tanks, and other ancillary equipment.”
Ms Curnow added that the increase in energy security and contribution that the proposed development would make in facilitating the increase in renewable energy in the UK energy mix is considered to clearly outweight the minimal harmful impacts it will cause.
Anyone who wishes to comment on the scheme (reference 25/01250/FUL) should do so by May 28.