EDF Renewables UK

EDF Renewables UK has been given the green light to develop a 114MW battery energy storage system (BESS) near Norwich.

The company, which is the UK renewable arm of French state-owned company EDF, received permission to develop the project from South Norfolk Council on Wednesday (30 August). This was following consultation with community and relevant bodies.

According to a statement by EDF Renewables UK, the project will be situated on land north of Hickling Lane, Swainsthorpe, just to the south of Norwich. To support biodiversity efforts, the project will see new trees planted, new hedgerows and enhancements to a nearby pond.

EDF’s project will consist of 176 battery cubes along with power conversion systems and cooling units. Underground cabling will connect the battery asset to the Norwich Substation.

“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,” said Andrew Elliott, project manager of the Norwich battery project at EDF Renewables UK.

“Having more of our electricity generated renewably from homegrown sources will lead to lower bills and greater energy security.”

The Norwich battery storage project adds to the growing list of assets the firm is pursuing. EDF Renewables UK recently revealed that both its 49.9MW Northamptonshire and 49.9MW Cornish solar farms had been granted planning permission from the relevant councils.

Reported by Solar Power Portal