Renewable Power Capital (RPC) and Greenfield have received planning permission for a 49.9-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, the companies said on Monday.
The Cardiff BESS is the third project the partners have advanced to this stage in 2024, following approvals for similar systems in Steventon and Tredington. With this latest approval, RPC and Greenfield’s UK battery storage portfolio with planning consent now totals 112.7MW.
Construction at the Cardiff site is expected to take between six and 12 months, with grid connection scheduled for 2030. The system will connect to the local distribution network and is designed to support grid flexibility, storing electricity for use during periods of high demand or low renewable generation.
“We’re delighted to receive planning permission for yet another UK BESS project that will make a timely contribution to the Government’s goal of decarbonising the electricity system by 2030,” said Cyrille Sokpor, senior vice president for UK and Poland development at RPC. “BESS is an essential component of a stable and flexible grid, providing power when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining.”
The companies said the Cardiff project includes measures to enhance biodiversity, such as improving existing hedgerows and creating species-rich grassland. Environmental stewardship is a shared priority for both partners, they added.
“Securing planning permission for Cardiff is another important step forward in our partnership with Renewable Power Capital,” said David Ring, Greenfield’s UK managing director. “The Cardiff project not only supports grid stability but also aligns with our commitment to biodiversity and environmental stewardship.”
Since the partnership began in May 2023, RPC has expanded its battery storage pipeline to more than 5.5 gigawatts (GW) across the UK, Italy, and Finland.
