Major battery storage project proposed near former Ironbridge Power Station

Plans have been submitted for a battery energy storage system (BESS) on an agricultural site near Buildwas, Shropshire. Greenfield Energy Developments Limited is seeking permission for the 99.9MW facility, which would utilise 52 containers housing lithium-ion batteries.

According to the company, the system would have the capacity to store enough electrical energy to power approximately 160,000 homes for two hours on a full charge.

The proposed 1.3-hectare compound is earmarked for a 2.43-hectare plot of land north of Buildwas Bank (A4169) and east of Buildwas. Notably, the Ironbridge Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site is located within Shropshire Council’s jurisdiction, but lies just 300 metres from the Telford & Wrekin Council boundary and is near the former Ironbridge Power Station, where a grid connection is proposed.

Agents DWD Property and Planning Limited have informed Shropshire Council planners that the energy generated by the 99.9-megawatt system is crucial for meeting Shropshire’s future energy demands. They explained that the BESS would draw power from renewable sources such as wind and solar, storing excess energy until demand exceeds supply.

Planning permission is being sought for a “temporary period of up to 45 years,” the agents stated. “After this point, and the cessation of energy operations, the infrastructure would be removed and the site restored to its present (agricultural) use and condition, except for the landscaping which would be retained.”

The agents also addressed potential concerns regarding proximity to residential areas, noting that “the nearest residential property is at least 165m away.” Highlighting the importance of the project, they added: “The provision of sufficient storage facilities to support decarbonisation of the Shropshire Council is of critical importance.”

Full details of the application can be found on the Shropshire Council planning website under reference number 25/01270/FUL.

Image source: Shropshire Council