Tewkesbury Borough Council has granted planning permission for Exagen to build a 20MW/40MWh battery storage facility within the Cheltenham and Gloucester Green Belt. This is a sign that we are at last making progress towards becoming a low-carbon economy. It also means better energy security for the UK and hopefully lower bills for the population, providing the energy companies play their part.
Exagen’s second BESS
This marks Exagen’s second successful battery energy storage project to secure planning consent this year. The Brockworth Road Energy Reserve is a cutting-edge battery energy storage system boasting an impressive export capacity of around 20MW and a two-hour duration. Situated conveniently just north of the A417, this project is set to revolutionize the way energy is stored and distributed in the area.
Reducing the UK’s dependence on foreign energy
The Brockworth Road project will contribute to reducing the UK’s dependence on imported gas and ensuring energy security. Batteries are the often overlooked unsung heroes in the shift towards a greener grid. Battery storage allows for the seamless integration of more renewable energy sources into the National Grid.
Electrification increases demand
With the rising demand for electricity driven by the electrification of transportation and heating, battery storage is more crucial than ever. The decision to develop in the Green Belt was backed by solid evidence and a clear rationale. Exagen highlighted that councillors recognized the unique benefits that this project brings, outweighing any minimal impact on the Green Belt.
Keeping it Green!
The 5.7-acre site boasts a natural shield of lush trees and hedges, ensuring privacy and blending seamlessly with the surroundings. The battery storage facility will be cleverly concealed within green-painted modular units, keeping its visual footprint to a minimum.
Biodiversity net gain
The project aimed to achieve a 37% biodiversity net gain through planting wildflower meadows, improving hedgerows, and planting new trees for site screening. Three previously developed or brownfield options and six greenfield sites were considered but deemed unsuitable due to policy constraints or existing allocations.
What is BESS and do we need it?
Battery energy storage facilities, or BESS, play a crucial role in modern energy systems by storing excess electricity generated during periods of low demand and releasing it during times of high demand. This helps to balance the grid, reduce the need for fossil fuel-based peaker plants, and integrate more renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the grid.
Here are some potential benefits of a BESS facility:
- Grid Stability: Battery storage can help stabilize the grid by providing rapid response to fluctuations in supply and demand, reducing the need for power generated by gas and ensuring a reliable electricity supply.
- Renewable Integration: BESS facilities enable better integration of renewable energy sources by storing excess energy when generation exceeds demand and releasing it when demand is high or renewable generation is low.
- Peak Demand Reduction: By providing electricity during peak demand periods, BESS facilities can help reduce the need for expensive and polluting power plants, which are often used to meet short-term spikes in electricity demand.
- Carbon Emissions Reduction: By enabling greater use of renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based generation, BESS facilities contribute to lowering carbon emissions and mitigating climate change.
- Local Economic Benefits: The construction and operation of a BESS facility can create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the local community. Additionally, projects may include community engagement initiatives or contributions to local infrastructure or services.
If the Exagen 20MW battery energy storage facility is indeed being built near Cheltenham and Gloucester, it could potentially bring these benefits to the area, contributing to a more sustainable energy future for the UK and providing economic opportunities for the local community.
Ben Fawcett, commercial and development director of Exagen Group said:
Planning consent for the Brockworth Road Energy Reserve is a huge achievement for the team at Exagen. A planning consent for this project is a testament to both Tewkesbury Borough Council’s and the local community’s commitment to meeting the UK’s net zero goal.”
Ben Fawcett