Statera Energy has received planning approval for its 500MW Sundon Storage BESS scheme, following a positive decision by Central Bedfordshire’s planning committee.
The long‑duration battery energy storage system will be built to the southwest of the existing Sundon National Grid substation.
When in operation, Sundon Storage will be capable of storing and delivering enough electricity to supply the equivalent of 540,000 homes. The project is one of 77 being assessed under the Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) scheme and, if successful, will operate as a minimum eight‑hour system. This would place it among the UK’s largest BESS installations.
The approval pushes Statera’s consented pipeline of storage and flexibility projects beyond 5GW, underlining the company’s role in supporting a reliable, affordable, low‑carbon electricity system for the UK.
Environmental improvements form a core part of the plans. The 30‑hectare site is expected to deliver a substantial biodiversity net gain through the creation of new habitats and measures to support local ecology. Once the project is live, the area will also include green spaces and walking routes for nearby communities.
Oliver Troup, development lead at Statera Energy, said, “Securing planning for Sundon is a significant milestone for the project and reflects the extensive work undertaken with local stakeholders and the planning authority. Sundon is particularly exciting as it can store energy for a minimum of eight-hours and is part of Ofgem’s LDES allocation scheme. Large-scale battery storage like this helps manage variability in generation and demand, and we’re proud to be progressing another project that supports the UK’s energy transition.”
Construction of the BESS is expected to begin later in the decade, with full operation targeted for 2030.
