The Richborough Energy Park is an innovative Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) located on the site of the former Richborough Power Station in Sandwich, Kent. The original coal-fired power station, which operated from the 1960s until its closure in 1996, was a key part of the UK’s energy infrastructure. Today, the site has been transformed into a cutting-edge energy storage facility, helping to shape the country’s future clean energy landscape.
Planning Concerns and Resolution
When plans for the Richborough Energy Park BESS were first proposed, there were several local planning concerns, particularly regarding the environmental impact and the scale of the development. The area is located on the Kent coast, which is home to diverse ecosystems, and some local residents expressed concerns about the visual and ecological impact of the new facility.
To address these concerns, developers engaged with local authorities and the community early in the planning process. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was carried out to ensure that the development would have minimal impact on local wildlife and the surrounding environment. Measures such as landscaping and screening were incorporated into the design to reduce the visual impact of the site. Additionally, the project adhered to strict regulations to ensure the protection of local biodiversity and minimize any disruption to nearby areas of natural beauty.
After addressing these concerns through consultation and mitigation strategies, the project was granted planning approval, allowing work to move forward.
Our Richborough substation is connecting clean electricity projects like batteries and interconnectors, all of which are helping Britain harness increasing volumes of renewable power
What they said:
Stuart Jones, Portfolio Director for the Customer Connection South Region at National Grid Electricity Transmission, said:
“Battery storage has a crucial role to play in delivering a net zero energy system in Britain, so connecting projects like Pacific Green’s at Richborough Energy Park to our transmission network marks key progress on our country’s clean energy journey.
“Given the Richborough site’s history, it’s apt that it’s becoming a pivotal part of our network for the energy transition, with our substation connecting clean electricity projects like batteries and interconnectors – all of which are helping Britain harness increasing volumes of renewable power into the future.”
Chris Twomey, COO and Head of Asset Management for Sosteneo said:
“We commend the work of Pacific Green and National Grid in bringing the Richborough Energy Park to life, helping establish our presence in the UK and representing an important milestone for our clients.”
Scott Poulter, Chairman and CEO of Pacific Green, commented:
“It’s been a pleasure to work with the National Grid to develop Richborough Energy Park, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with many more projects to come.
“Having taken control of the site in 2021, I’m proud at the speed and efficiency with which my team has steered the project to financial close in summer 2022, first energisation a year later, full energisation last month, and now into commercial operation.”
Energy Storage Capacity
The Richborough Energy Park BESS boasts an impressive storage capacity of 99 megawatts (MW). This capacity allows the facility to store large amounts of electricity, which can be discharged into the grid when demand is high or when renewable sources like wind and solar aren’t generating enough power. The system can power around 100,000 homes for up to two hours, making it a valuable asset in stabilizing the UK’s energy grid and supporting the transition to renewable energy sources.
Cost and Operation
The Richborough Energy Park BESS project was a significant investment, with the total cost of development estimated at £100 million. It was built by Intergen, a global energy company that specializes in power generation and energy storage. Intergen operates the facility, ensuring that it is fully integrated into the UK’s electricity market.
Battery Storage Containers
To house the system’s advanced lithium-ion batteries, around 58 containers have been installed at the site. These containers are carefully arranged to ensure optimal safety and efficiency, housing the batteries that store and release energy as needed.
In conclusion, Richborough Energy Park represents a major step forward in the UK’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy grid. By repurposing the site of a former coal-fired power station for renewable energy storage, it offers a clear example of how we can turn the page on fossil fuels and move towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Further reading
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richborough_Energy_Park
https://www.jpsil.co.uk/blog/tag/bess
https://www.jpsil.co.uk/content/bess-battery-energy-storage-system
https://www.nationalgrid.com/richborough-energy-park-battery-connects-grid-site-former-coal-plant