Plans for new 'battery energy storage' facility on Wearside as council chiefs receive proposals

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Plans for a new 'battery energy storage' facility in Wearside have been lodged with Sunderland City Council's planning department. The proposed site, near Foxcover Road in the city’s Sandhill ward, is currently agricultural land located to the east of the A19 and close to the 'National Grid Offerton Substation'.

Root Power (North) Limited has submitted plans for a "38MW battery energy storage system" complete with access, compound fencing and associated infrastructure. According to a design and access statement provided to council officials, the development aims to store energy during times of surplus and release it back to the grid when demand exceeds supply, helping to balance the National Grid.

Proponents of the scheme argue that battery energy storage systems are a "subset of renewable low carbon forms of energy generation" and crucial for the UK's transition towards net zero. They also describe these developments as an "essential component of energy infrastructure, which aid the maintenance of energy security for the area and wider regions".

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Several similar proposals have been considered by North East councils in recent months, with varying outcomes.

Whirlwind Energy Storage Limited's plans for a battery energy storage system near West Boldon Substation were rejected by South Tyneside Council’s Planning Committee, and the decision is now under appeal. Earlier this year, Sunderland City Council’s Planning and Highways Committee gave the green light to Newton Energi's plans for a similar development near the roundabout linking the A183 and the A19.

The latest proposal on Wearside comes from a different applicant and is located south of the recently approved Sunderland project. Root Power (North) Limited, the applicant behind the new scheme, claims it aims to address a "significant lack of network capacity around the UK which can hamper the use and take up of renewable energy generation such as wind turbines and solar arrays".

They argue that battery storage developments aim to "increase this capacity allowing more renewable energy to be brought online". The design and access statement further adds: "The benefits of the proposed development are substantial and are as follows [...] reduced energy bills by undercutting gas-fired generators, which purchase expensive natural gas from other countries."

"Increased energy security [and] improved grid reliance – mitigating the risk of a blackout."

"The application could provide power to a plethora of homes in the Sunderland area."

"[It would also] enable an increase in renewable energy by smoothing the peaks and troughs in demand and supply[...] directly supporting Sunderland’s climate emergency."

"A general assumption has concluded that the increased energy demand means we may need to triple the number of overhead and pylons. Battery storage can help to prevent and mitigate this."

Developers also highlighted that the plans would bring economic benefits, including creating construction jobs, additional roles in the operation of the development, and training opportunities, as well as delivering a "biodiversity net gain". The proposed equipment on the site includes a substation, switch room, ‘battery clusters’ and other structures, alongside fire safety technology and measures to "isolate any contaminated water from the general flow" in case of a fire.

The design and access statement further adds: "The proposed battery storage components are set to be located amongst an attractive landscaped site which will help screen the development.

"The development will therefore retain a sense of rurality, albeit the site is experienced with the context of the neighbouring A19."

"Access is proposed from an unnamed road adjacent to Foxcover Road, to the west of the site.

"This point of access can facilitate larger vehicles during the construction phase of the development.

"After this period of time, the site will result in fewer trips and will be visited for maintenance purposes only.

"The site will be secured through the use of a 2.4m security fence [and] will also have increased security and CCTV."

A conclusion on the fresh planning application in Sunderland will be arrived at following the wrap-up of the council's discussion stage. January 17, 2025, features as the decision deadline on Sunderland City Council’s planning portal website.

Should you desire further information regarding the planning request or wish to monitor its development, do venture onto the council’s planning platform online, making a search with the reference: 24/02111/FUL.