Root-Power has secured planning approval on appeal to build a £45m battery energy storage facility in Leicestershire.
The company said the 100MW project on the banks of the River Soar near Kegworth will store surplus low-carbon and renewable energy and release it back to the National Grid.
It added that the facility will connect to local grid infrastructure to support the transition from the former Ratcliffe-on-Soar coal plant to a clean energy hub.
Root-Power stated that the development will help safeguard business and domestic users during peak demand, reduce price volatility and prevent blackouts.
It said the project will create local jobs during construction and support the government’s Clean Power 2030 reforms and long-term net zero targets.
The company added that it is committed to achieving a high biodiversity net gain, forecasting a 71% habitat gain and an 82% increase in hedgerows through new habitats and landscaping.
Root-Power said it worked with the Environment Agency and the Lead Local Flood Authority during the appeal to address flood concerns by designing the facility above ground level with floodwater able to pass underneath, alongside additional storage via a sunken tank.
“We’re delighted to have won our planning appeal to build this new BESS facility in Leicestershire, as it will greatly benefit local people and play a vital environmental role in storing and supplying renewable energy to meet the sustainability needs of the National Grid,” said Neil Brooks, managing director at Root-Power.
“It will help balance electricity supply during peak grid demand, prevent outages and help stabilise and reduce energy prices that impact thousands of residents and businesses nearby,” Brooks added.
He stated that the company had addressed flooding concerns and committed to high biodiversity gains, and that it looks forward to supplying clean, flexible electricity to the National Grid over the next 15 to 20 years.