Plans for battery energy storage system at Sutton Bridge solar farm submitted
Plans to site a battery energy storage system at a 118-hectare solar farm have been submitted.
Hollygreen Energy Farm - a subsidiary of the EDF Energy Renewables - wants to place 48 battery storage containers on a 3.77 hectare-area of land at Sutton Bridge Solar Farm.
The proposed development also includes associated infrastructure and equipment including fencing, security cameras, cabling and access tracks and biodiversity net gain provisions.
EDF received planning permission to transform 118 hectares of arable farmland south of Centenary Way at Sutton Bridge Power Station into a solar farm in March 2021.
“The site is located within the previously approved Sutton Bridge Solar Farm,” the design and access statement, prepared by agent IC Planning for South Holland District Council explained.
“The site lies to the east of the River Nene and 500m south-east of Sutton Bridge Power Station, approximately 1.25km south and east of the village of Sutton Bridge.
“The site measures approximately 3.77ha and is proposed to contain the BESS, associated infrastructure and biodiversity net gain provision.
“The site will be accessed via the same point used for the solar farm, i.e. from Centenary Way, which connects to the A17 approximately 1.5km to the east.”
Battery boxes store energy when demand is low or production high and release it when demand is high or supply low.
The BESS compound would include up to 48 battery storage containers, each measuring 12x3.1m in size and stand 3.9m tall.
It would also feature a control room, LV substation, switch room, spares container and welfare cabin, all of which will be located in the BESS compound.
“Construction of the proposed development is expected to be completed within approximately 9-12 months, any effects arising from this would be short term and temporary,” the design and access statement continued.
“The development has an operational lifespan of 40 years. The proposed development is temporary and reversible, at the end of the operational period, the proposed development would be decommissioned in accordance with best practice at that time.”
