Cambridge Power has secured planning permission for a 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Bedfordshire, England. The project, in Staploe, will adjoin the Eaton Socon Grid Sub Station. This is the first site with planning permission to benefit from a technical grid connection solution developed by UKPN as part of its Regional Development Programme (RDP). The RDPs are designed to unlock additional network capacity and reduce constraints by offering BESS a grid connection with restrictions in use based around peak demand and peak generation times on the network. They aim to introduce new ways of working that significantly enhance transmission and distribution systems coordination and control.
Cambridge Power will now progress its construction timetable and meet the revised near-term connection date of 2024 and deliver the first project under the RDP. The hope is that National Grid will adopt this successful RDP solution as part of the grid remodeling exercise currently going through consultation, enabling significant capacity to connect to the UK grid network ahead of current suggested delays. The site near Eaton Socon will see biodiversity net gains provided as part of the scheme. Extensive planting is proposed, alongside the technical infrastructure, to provide ecological benefit and landscape mitigation and achieve a very significant biodiversity net gain of 71%. This includes a new tree-lined, native and species-rich hedgerow along the existing site access track off Bushmead Road, new species-rich grassland habitat and extensive areas of scrubland and woodland blocks around the Site to provide visual screening and assimilate the BESS into the landscape. Cambridge Power head of planning Neil Waterson said: “We are delighted to secure permission, under delegated powers, for this 100MW BESS from Bedford Borough Council and are grateful for the support of all our consultants, including Engena, WSP, Turley, Orion Heritage and Hopkins Ecology in helping to achieve another positive outcome for Cambridge Power.”
Credits: renews.biz [Image: Cambridge Power]