Leading independent energy developer Balance Power today announces it has secured planning approval for a 49.5MW/99MWh battery storage project in south-west Leicestershire.
The project, located in Hinckley, will store renewable energy during peak generation and release it back to the grid when demand is high, helping stabilise the grid and power about 13,000 homes. This is vital as the UK moves toward net zero, with renewable energy becoming more significant in the national energy mix.
Rugby Borough Council’s case officer approved the project following Balance Power’s thorough community engagement, which resulted in no public objections. Balance Power collaborated with the community, town council, and local district councillors in the local area during a consultation period, addressing concerns and incorporating feedback about the project.
By allowing more renewable energy to be integrated into the grid, the Hinckley project, comprised of 28 battery units, will prevent around 9,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually, comparable to removing 6,500 cars from the road.
The project also features a biodiversity enhancement scheme, offering broader environmental benefits and protecting existing wildlife, aligning with Balance Power’s dedication to providing clean energy that meets community needs while generating positive outcomes for the environment.
The storage facility is expected to be operational by October 2025, though the construction start date is yet to be determined. After its 40-year lifespan, the facility will be dismantled, and the site will be restored to its original state.
Charlotte Vick, Design Lead at Balance Power, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have secured planning permission for this battery storage facility. It’s set to make a considerable impact on Hinckley and the surrounding area, creating local construction and operation jobs and bolstering its energy security and reliability.
What’s more, battery storage is essential for the UK’s transition to net zero. As more intermittent renewable energy comes online, battery storage plays a pivotal role in balancing the supply and demand of clean power and therefore decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. We’re really pleased to have been given backing from the Rugby Borough Council and local residents.”
Balance Power has been at the forefront of decentralised energy projects since 2017, collaborating with landowners, communities, and councils in the UK to achieve national decarbonization targets. They have successfully advanced nearly 40 energy projects to planning consent, adding 501.5MW of capacity to the grid.
With almost 2GW of projects in development, Balance Power continues to expand its nationwide pipeline, pioneering the transformation of the energy landscape.
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NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information, please contact:
Press Team – [email protected]
Further information about Balance Power can also be found at: https://balancepower.co.uk/
Information about Balance Power’s specific projects, including timelines, benefits, images and more, can be found at: https://balancepower.co.uk/projects
About Balance Power:
Balance Power has been supporting the UK’s transition to a decarbonised grid since the company was founded in 2017.
Specialising in solar, battery storage and wind technologies, it works nationally with landowners, communities, local authorities and businesses to bring about a fundamental shift in how the UK produces and uses power. It has now taken nearly 40 clean energy projects through to planning consent, creating 501.5MW of capacity to support the grid.
Through its energy generation and storage solutions, Balance Power also helps energy-intensive businesses switch to renewable energy, lowering their operational costs and carbon footprints. Providing tailored solutions to meet the individual needs of each business, it manages the process from site evaluation to revenue generation.
With almost 2GW of projects under development, Balance Power has a growing pipeline nationwide and is leading the way in engineering a new energy landscape.
