In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable energy, Anglo Renewables has submitted plans to Dartford Borough Council to establish a large-scale battery energy storage facility in Greenhithe, near a Kent village. The proposed site, covering 3.7 hectares (9 acres) of currently agricultural land, aims to house over 100 batteries within shipping container-style storage units. The intention behind the battery energy storage system (BESS) is to store surplus energy generated from renewable sources, ensuring that this clean energy can be efficiently utilized when demand arises, thus minimizing waste.
The facility is designed to have a substantial capacity of 104 megawatts, which has the potential to supply electricity for two hours to approximately 215,000 homes. This innovative project is framed as a temporary installation, with details in the planning documents outlining that after 40 years, the site will be decommissioned, allowing the land to revert back to its agricultural use. Moreover, the developers have committed to implementing a biodiversity net gain through an initiative that includes planting broadleaved trees, which will expand the adjacent Darenth Wood.
Considering the significance of this project, public comments are being collected until May 30, 2023, and a decision from the planning committee is expected by July 29, 2023. With 24/7 CCTV surveillance and secure fencing proposed, the site’s safety and environmental consideration are addressed as essential components of the planning submission. By constructing this battery storage facility, Anglo Renewables stands at the forefront of addressing energy storage challenges, contributing to the UK’s renewable energy landscape and helping to pave the way for a greener future.
