Banks Renewables, a prominent renewable energy developer, has recently submitted a proposal to Leeds City Council for the addition of battery storage capacity to the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park. Having obtained planning approval for the project in 2021, the developer now seeks permission to incorporate a containerized battery energy storage system capable of holding up to 40MW of electricity generated on-site. This capacity would be sufficient to power approximately 48,000 homes for two hours during peak times.
The original Barnsdale scheme received strong support from both Allerton Bywater and Kippax Parish Councils. Following a positive recommendation from the City Council's expert planning officers, the project garnered unanimous support from the members of its planning committee.
Jamilah Hassan, the community relations manager at the Banks Group, expressed excitement about the progress made in the Barnsdale solar energy park. She stated, “We've been diligently advancing the technical aspects of the Barnsdale project, and the submission of this planning application signifies a significant milestone in our journey towards realizing our plans.”
Hassan emphasized the numerous benefits of incorporating battery storage at the site. Not only would it enhance energy supply management with utmost efficiency, but it would also reduce energy wastage, ultimately leading to cost savings for consumers. The advantages of co-locating battery storage alongside solar energy generation facilities have been well-established and acknowledged. Given the substantial local support received for the Barnsdale project, Banks Renewables hopes that Leeds City Council's planning committee will similarly endorse this application.
By expanding the Barnsdale Solar Energy Park with battery storage capacity, Banks Renewables aims to optimize renewable energy utilization, bolster energy management efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
