Plans for a battery energy storage system in Marchwood look set to be approved by New Forest District Council.
BW ESS Development UK Limited has applied to demolish existing buildings on land off East Road, at Marchwood Industrial Park, to make way for the facility, which would connect to the nearby National Grid substation.
The facility would replace existing buildings at Marchwood Industrial Park (picture: Google)
A report to the council’s planning committee, which will meet tomorrow (Wednesday), states: “The proposal is for a period of 40 years which represents the operational lifespan of all battery energy storage system facilities.
“The development of energy storage facilities such as this allows the local grid network to operate more efficiently by taking excess energy, storing it in batteries and releasing it into the network when the grid needs it at times of peak demand.
“The application states that the proposed development can help in supporting the energy security of businesses and households in the New Forest.”
Marchwood Parish Council backed the application, which also received one letter of support and three objections.
The report recommends approval on the grounds that such storage would “support the provision of increased renewable energy generation nationally and assist in meeting energy security challenges”.