Cambridge Power, a UK-based energy storage and renewable energy developer, has received planning consent to build a 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS) facility next to the Eaton Socon grid substation in Staploe, Bedfordshire, in the UK.

This will be the first site to benefit from a technical grid connection solution developed by UK Power Networks as part of its regional development programme (RDP).

RDPs can help unlock additional network capacity and reduce constraints on providing grid connection to a BESS with restrictions for peak demand and peak generation times on the network.

Cambridge Power will carry out construction and grid connection work in 2024.

It hopes that National Grid will adopt this RDP solution as part of its grid remodelling exercise, currently in the consultation stage. It will enable significantly increased capacity to connect to the UK grid network.

Cambridge Power planning head Neil Waterson stated: “We are delighted to secure permission, under delegated powers, for this 100MW BESS from Bedford Borough Council and are grateful for the support of all our consultants, including Engena, WSP, Turley, Orion Heritage and Hopkins Ecology in helping to achieve another positive outcome for Cambridge Power.”

As part of its efforts towards achieving sustainability, the company also intends to support biodiversity at the site with extensive planting alongside the technical infrastructure. This will provide ecological benefits and landscape mitigation. The aim is to achieve a biodiversity net gain of 71%.

Cambridge Power has obtained planning permission for two further BESS projects during 2023. The most recent was secured in June for a project in Lemington, Newcastle Upon Tyne, where it will install a 50MW BESS system.

In January, the company secured planning consent for a 50MW BESS in Flag Fen, Peterborough.