AN UPDATE has been released over plans to build an “enormous” battery energy storage system in the area.

The project includes installing 19 battery units on a 6.4 acre site located off Latteridge Lane near Latteridge and Iron Acton - in between Yate and Thornbury. 

A planning application - which was submitted by energy project developer Balance Power - was approved by South Gloucestershire Council on August 16. 

Officials say the new site will help play a “critical role” in storing renewable energy during peak production times and supplying it back to the grid when demand is high.

It is estimated the facility will help power around 26,700 homes and will prevent around 18,300 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. 

It comes as Iron Acton Grid Supply Point network currently has 120MW of solar and wind energy connected, with an additional 750MW of solar connections planned. 

Plans have been approved to install a new battery energy storage system near Latteridge (Image: Balance Power Projects) According to the application, after 40 years the site will be decommissioned, and the land restored back to its original agricultural use.

It is understood that works to build the battery development will take 18 months to complete.

However, the application received four objections from neighbours who described the proposed scheme as “enormous”, “unfathomable” and “unacceptable”.

Connections manager Oliver Pettersen said: “Securing planning permission for Iron Acton is a significant milestone and is set to make a sizeable impact on local clean energy reliability. 

“With extensive solar development in the Iron Acton area, this project will be pivotal for managing excess power generation and more broadly for balancing out the supply and demand of renewable energy, helping to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. 

“Due to the size and scale of the project, it also marks a big step forward for the UK’s transition to net zero, which depends upon battery storage projects that provide stability for a decarbonised grid. 

“We’re grateful for the support from South Gloucestershire and the community – it’s due to our collective efforts and close collaboration that we’ve reached this brilliant outcome.”  

A 100MW grid connection has already been secured at the adjacent Iron Acton Grid Supply Point. 

A construction timeline is still being finalised. 

The energisation date has been set for June 2036. 

Officials say they hope following discussions with National Grid to bring this date forward.

What the battery facility could look like (Image: Balance Power Projects)