The UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has published proposals that would mean utility-scale energy storage projects are processed via local planning.
Usually energy storage projects above a certain size threshold have to proceed via the National Planning Regime, similar to other power projects at present.
The national planning process has significant costs associated with it and can take 18-24 months, while energy storage projects are typically “relatively unobtrusive and established technologies”, according to the Renewable Energy Association (REA).
The REA has campaigned to raise the threshold above the current 50MW level. The group said details will need to be assessed via the consultation process and appropriate planning conditions applied.
The proposals apply to all energy storage technologies excluding pumped hydro energy storage projects, due to their significant size.
REA policy head Frank Gordon said: “In this consultation the government is recognising the value that energy storage can bring to the electricity system and are making a major step towards a more flexible network in the future.
“At present most energy storage project planning applications are sized at or around 49.9MW in England where the 50MW threshold is in place, but in Wales where the threshold is much higher, they vary in size usually at around 70MW.
“This shows the major impact the planning system threshold is having on projects.”
Solar Trade Association chief executive Chris Hewett said: “We are pleased to see that the government has taken our feedback on board.
“This is a promising step forward for enabling energy storage to be connected more swiftly, and giving local communities a stronger voice in determining which developments are right for them.
“Energy storage is safe, low-impact, and essential for delivering on the UK’s legally binding Net Zero commitments.”