Energy company EDF Renewables UK has secured planning approval for three grid-scale lithium-ion battery storage systems in Kent, Norwich and Essex in England.
The 57 MW/114 MWh BESS in Braintree, Essex, is expected to begin construction in early 2024, with the aim of being operational in early 2025. The 114 MW/228 MWh facility in Swainsthorpe, Norwich, gained consent at the end of August 2023 and is expected to begin construction in early 2024. The 50MW/100 MWh storage system near Sellindge, Kent, received consent in July.
EDF expects demand for electricity to increase by 50%, and a 21-fold increase in electric vehicles (EVs) on the road to meet government net zero emissions targets by 2050. “Battery storage is even more essential to managing the country’s electricity needs,” it said.
EDF Renewables UK has two 50 MW battery storage facilities operational in Kemsley and Oxford. Two more sites in the West Midlands will become operational this autumn, and a further two sites are under construction.
The company operates energy superhubs, such as the one in Oxford. They combine transmission-connected batteries and power infrastructure for EV charging.
Photo: EDF Renewables UK battery storage facility in Kemsley
