Why Battery Storage?

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The UK Government has set a target to achieve a net zero economy by 2050 and are committed to replacing fossil fuels with clean green energy solutions. The spiralling costs of imported energy resulting in higher energy bills, has further highlighted the need to strengthen energy security and resilience in the UK and the need for cheaper and cleaner energy. National Grid estimate that 13GW of batteries are required to ensure that energy generated by renewables can be stored when it is not required, and then used when it is.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and associated works are a key component of a low carbon energy system. The batteries can store the energy being generated across the UK’s energy network by renewables, such as solar and wind farms, when demand is low so excess electricity is not wasted. These systems can then discharge this stored energy to balance the energy network when demand is high or when the wind is not blowing or the sun shining.  The batteries produce no emissions or pollution during operations so are considered to be a low carbon technology.

In March 2019, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council declared a climate emergency, and have a commitment to become carbon neutral by 2038. The Stockport Climate Action Now Plan underpins this target and sets out the Council’s priority to ensure ‘that future energy needs of the borough can all be met in a sustainable way’.

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The proposal will connect to Bredbury National Grid Substation, approximately 1km northwest of the Site. Locating the project close to this existing substation, which has grid capacity, ensures a viable and cost effective connection to the National Grid network.

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The proposed battery energy storage facility would assist in providing a contribution to both local and national renewable energy targets.