PLANS to build a new battery energy storage system in the Yate area have been given the
green light.
The 200-megawatt battery storage facility has been approved for agricultural land located off Westerleigh Road, Westerleigh near the Pilgrim slaughterhouse.
A planning application was submitted by Dursley-based solar energy company Immersa
Limited to South Gloucestershire Council back in March 2023.
The scheme includes installing approximately 176 battery storage containers which would measure almost three metres in height, 2.4 metres in width and six metres in length.
The proposal also includes creating an access track, installing four parking spaces, 2.5 metre high security fencing, four metre high CCTV poles and a 15 metre tall communication tower.
It also includes installing 44 transformer stations, three auxiliary transformers, four customer substations, one spare parts container, two DNO and metering rooms and two switchyards.
There was a mixed response from members of the public - with three letters of objection in contrast to six support comments.
Objectors raised concerns about the access road increasing danger at Westerleigh Hill, overdevelopment and damage to wildlife.
Meanwhile, supporters said the scheme wouldn’t have a visual impact and is in a suitable location, they also said the site is vital for the country to become more sustainable.
In addition, Westerleigh and Coalpit Heath Parish Council also supported the application.
A parish council spokesperson said in a comment of support: “The parish council supports this application on the grounds that it supports the principle of battery energy storage systems to facilitate the use of renewable energy sources.”
Plans were officially approved by SGC on Friday, July 19.
A planning document reads: “The compound stores energy in times of an energy surplus and can release it back to the grid when demand exceeds supply, balancing the grid.
“This proposal for an energy storage compound is therefore considered a subset of renewable low carbon forms of energy generation, a fundamental part of the UK moving to Net Zero through supporting renewable energy.”
It continues: “The energy storage facility will provide large capacity for energy to be stored during periods of generation surplus, where it would then be released during generation shortages.
“This is an essential component of energy infrastructure, which helps to maintain energy security for the area but also for the wider region.”
You can view the application quoting P23/01180/F or see here - tinyurl.com/3arrd8vr
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