Balance Power has secured planning approval for a 40MW battery storage project in Cheshire, England.
The scheme, located in Cheadle, will store renewable energy at times of peak generation and export it back on to the grid when demand is high, balancing intermittency and providing grid stability for around 90,000 homes.
Staffordshire Moorlands Council unanimously voted in favour of the project after Balance Power conducted extensive community engagement and received no objections to the site from members of the public.
Balance Power worked closely with the community, town council and local district councillors in Staffordshire Moorlands during a period of consultation, listening to their views and addressing any concerns about the scheme.
The project has also been designed to produce a biodiversity net gain of 61% for habitats and 15% for hedgerows, bringing wider environmental benefits and safeguarding existing wildlife, the company said.
This forms part of Balance Power’s commitment to finding clean energy solutions to meet communities’ power needs while creating positive environmental impacts.
The storage facility is due to be operational in 2028, with construction planned to begin as early as 2026.
After its 40-year lifecycle the project will be decommissioned, and the site will be returned to its former use and condition.
Planning lead at Balance Power Dan Levy said: “We are extremely excited about securing planning permission for this battery storage facility.
“Not only will it make a significant contribution to Staffordshire Moorlands achieving its objectives to be carbon neutral by 2030, and bring new clean energy infrastructure to the area, but battery storage is also essential for the UK’s transition to net zero.
“It is crucial in diversifying the energy network and reducing the need for fossil fuel technologies.
“We are also really proud to have received unanimous support from Staffordshire Moorlands and for the strong support we also received from Cheadle Town Council and nearby residents.”