Two energy storage projects get the green light

Downing Renewable Developments (DRD) has secured approvals for two large-scale energy storage projects.

The company has been given the green light for a 40MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Heanor, Derbyshire, and a 100MW BESS near Rowley Regis, West Midlands.

The Rowley Regis project will have the capacity to store enough energy to power 300,000 homes for two hours, while the Heanor site will power 120,000 homes for the same period.

Both projects were approved without any public objections and come after the company’s previous approval for a 49.9 MW solar farm in Norfolk last year.

Tony Gannon, head of Downing Renewable Developments said: “Being granted two planning
consents in a week is another significant milestone for our business. Equally importantly, both projects received no objections from the public, showing the importance of how our team engage with local communities.

“Both projects show our commitment to the Midlands and will contribute to the UK’s Net Zero goals. We are pleased to contribute to the transition to renewable energy, which should mean cheaper energy bills for British consumers.”