Batteries are key components for decarbonising the grid
Batteries are used on UK power grids to provide balancing services and store excess electricity generation for use when needed. Their storage capability creates a more reliable, flexible, and greener grid.
The proposed battery infrastructure will enable the storage of up to 99.9MW | 99.9MWh of energy, equivalent to a full day’s energy consumption for over 30,000 homes. Our ability to capture and store home-grown renewable energy is of increasing environmental and energy security importance. In the words of Dame Maria Miller Conservative MP:
This ability to store excess electricity until demand is high or renewable output is low is essential for intermittent renewable energy sources. Storage capabilities also shield us from risks such as blackouts and other threats to international energy supplies.
In July 2019, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council (SMDC) declared a Climate Emergency and outlined their strategies to achieve Net Zero Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2030. This declaration expresses SMDC’s commitment to:
“Start working with partners, across the district and region, towards making the Staffordshire Moorlands carbon neutral by 2030; taking into account emissions from both production and consumption”.
The BESS at Newfields Farm will be key to addressing these challenges and will serve the area’s future energy needs. The main objectives are:
- Support the UK Government’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the interim target of a 78% reduction by 2035.
- Contribute to the climate emergency declared by the Government and by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council in 2019.
| The UK Government’s ambitions | The role of batteries | Local benefits |
|---|---|---|
| – Reduce emissions by 78% by 2035 (compared to 1990 levels) – Reach net-zero emissions by 2050 – Decarbonise electricity generation mix by 2035 – At least double our supply of electricity by 2050 – Add storage across all energy vectors, of which batteries might need to provide 20-35% (a lower limit of 40GW) | – Contribute to the UK’s goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 – Facilitate the use of low-carbon energy sources, particularly intermittent renewables – Improve efficiency of energy systems – Reduce our current dependence on fossil fuels – Invigorate domestic research and development – Expand our industries and manufacturing abilities, which will be necessary to avoid becoming reliant on imported technologies – Prevent increasing amounts of renewable energy being wasted – Improve energy security – Reduce risk of blackouts | – Biodiversity enhancements leading to a richer mix of species (fauna and flora) – Creates local job opportunities during construction – Landscaping to screen views into the Site – Sensitive design to prevent any harm to nearby residents, businesses, and wildlife |
Mitigation and Amenity Improvements
Landscape and visual
To improve biodiversity and screen the site from view, native trees and shrubs will be planted along boundaries. We are currently considering the following tree and shrub mix as recommended by our landscape team:
- Hawthorn
- Blackthorn
- Elder
- Hazel
- Field maple
- Holly
- Dogwood
As well as providing screening and enhancing the visual appearance of the site, the additional planting will offer increased biodiversity and habitat for local wildlife.
