£45 million battery storage scheme approved

A Leicestershire clean energy project has moved a step closer as plans progress to strengthen grid resilience and support the UK’s transition to low-carbon power.

Root-Power has secured planning approval on appeal for a £45 million battery energy storage facility (BESS) near Kegworth, on the banks of the River Soar. 

The 100-megawatt development will store surplus energy generated from renewable sources and release it back to the National Grid when demand is highest.

The facility will connect to local grid infrastructure and support the transition away from coal generation at the former Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station, helping to position the area as a clean energy hub. 

Alongside improving energy security for businesses and households, bosses say the scheme is designed to reduce price volatility and lower the risk of power disruption.

Neil Brooks, managing director at Root-Power, said: “We’re delighted to have won our planning appeal to build this new BESS facility in Leicestershire, as it will greatly benefit local people and play a vital environmental role in storing and supplying renewable energy to meet the sustainability needs of the National Grid. 

“It will help balance electricity supply during peak grid demand, prevent outages and help stabilise and reduce energy prices that impact thousands of residents and businesses nearby.”

Construction is expected to create local jobs, while the project will also contribute to national Clean Power 2030 reforms and long-term net-zero goals. 

The development also includes plans to significantly enhance biodiversity and manage flood risk through its final design.

Neil added: “During the planning phase, we’ve allayed any concerns around flooding and demonstrated a strong commitment to sensitively landscaping areas of the development to achieve high biodiversity net gains that preserve and enhance local wildlife and conservation.

“We look forward to providing clean, flexible electricity to the National Grid and safeguarding the power needs of communities in the local area over the next 15-20 years.”

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