Balance Power has secured planning approval for its ambitious 40MW battery storage project situated in Cheadle, Cheshire, marking a significant milestone in the company's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
This innovative project aims to store renewable energy during periods of peak generation, subsequently redistributing it to the grid during times of high demand. The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in balancing intermittency and ensuring grid stability, ultimately benefiting approximately 90,000 homes in the region.
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The approval, granted unanimously by Staffordshire Moorlands Council, underscores the success of Balance Power's extensive community engagement efforts. Throughout the consultation process, the company actively solicited feedback from local residents, town councils, and district councillors, addressing any concerns and garnering widespread support for the project.
Moreover, the project is designed to deliver significant environmental benefits, with a projected biodiversity net gain of 61% for habitats and 15% for hedgerows. This commitment to environmental stewardship aligns with Balance Power's overarching mission to drive positive change through clean energy solutions.
Scheduled for operationalization in 2028, construction of the storage facility is slated to commence as early as 2026. Upon completion of its 40-year lifecycle, the project will undergo decommissioning, with the site reverting to its original use and condition.
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Dan Levy, Planning Lead at Balance Power, expressed enthusiasm for the project's approval, emphasizing its pivotal role in advancing Staffordshire Moorlands' carbon neutrality goals and contributing to the UK's transition to a net-zero economy. He also extended gratitude to stakeholders for their unwavering support, highlighting the collaborative effort between Balance Power, local councils, and residents in realizing this transformative initiative.
As the energy landscape evolves towards sustainability, projects like Balance Power's battery storage facility are instrumental in driving progress and fostering a cleaner, more resilient energy future for communities across the UK.
