Statera Energy has received planning permission for a 500-megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) in Culham, Oxfordshire, the company said on Tuesday.
The project, located near the National Grid’s Culham substation and the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA) Culham Campus, is intended to support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon electricity system by improving grid flexibility and stability.
“This 500MW BESS at Culham will play an important role in helping the UK achieve its Clean Power 2030 targets,” said Oliver Troup, development lead at Statera Energy. “Its strategic placement and significant capacity will enable us to more effectively manage the intermittent nature of renewable energy, boosting local grid stability and national energy security.”
The facility, known as Culham Storage, is expected to deliver enough electricity to power up to 540,000 homes during peak demand. It will also provide energy resilience to the Culham Campus, designated as the UK’s first AI Growth Zone and a centre for fusion research and innovation.
Statera said the project will incorporate environmental enhancements, with 16 hectares designated for new woodland and grassland. The site is expected to achieve a 62% biodiversity net gain and contribute to the restoration of a registered historic park and garden.
Battery storage is a key element of the UK’s renewable energy strategy. The National Energy System Operator (NESO) estimates that 27GW of battery capacity will be needed by 2030 to maintain a secure and affordable grid.
Statera currently has over 2.1GW of operational or under-construction projects in the UK and a development pipeline exceeding 16GW. The company said it plans to work in close coordination with UKAEA and National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) to bring the Culham project into operation.
The company did not disclose a timeline for the project’s construction or commissioning.
