EDF Renewables UK has been given the go-ahead to develop a 114 MW battery energy storage system on land north of Hickling Lane, Swainsthorpe. Planning permission was granted by South Norfolk Council today (30 August 2023) following consultation with the community and relevant bodies.
As part of the plans, EDF Renewables UK will also improve biodiversity by planting trees, new hedgerows and enhancing the existing pond on site.
The UK Government’s target is to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, ending our reliance on fossil fuels and replacing these with new low carbon power sources.
Battery storage is essential to achieve this transition because it provides the flexibility required by National Grid to manage the intermittent nature of supply from renewable sources such as wind and solar.
National Grid estimates that Britain will need battery storage to increase from 1.6 GW in 2021 to as much as 20 GW by 2030 and 35GW by 2050 to ensure the UK has access to clean, secure and affordable electricity by 2050.
Andrew Elliott, Project Manager of the Norwich battery project at EDF Renewables UK said: “We are delighted that South Norfolk Council has given the go-ahead for this battery scheme. As more of our lives are powered by electricity – from heating to cars – our energy system is changing, and batteries help to future-proof the grid and cost-effectively integrate more renewable power. Having more of our electricity generated renewably from homegrown sources will lead to lower bills and greater energy security.”
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Project information
The site is in the parish of Stoke Holy Cross, on land north of Hickling Lane, Swainsthorpe, set between the A140 Ipswich Road to the east and Norwich to London railway line to the west.
Underground cabling will connect the battery storage scheme to the Norwich Substation.
The battery scheme will consist of 176 battery cubes along with power conversion systems and cooling units, and security fencing.
EDF Renewables UK also has a consented solar farm project called Bloy’s Grove located nearby. An application for the cable route connecting the solar farm is currently awaiting a decision with South Norfolk Council.
Further project information can be found on the Norwich Battery website: http://www.edf-re.uk/our-sites/norwich-battery.
