the scheme.
BOOM Power is proposing a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) located on land at Wheaten Hill Farm, Salt Way, Feckenham, Worcestershire. The nearest settlements are the villages of Astwood Bank, which is approximately 1km to the east and Feckenham, some 2km to the west. The borough town of Redditch is located 2km to the north. Access to the site can be gained from Astwood Lane from the north and Salt Way from the south via existing farm tracks.
The BESS will have the ability to export and import 400 megawatts (MW) of power and will be designed with capacity to discharge over a period of 2-4 hours per day. It is proposed that the scheme would connect into Feckenham substation, which is located approximately 1km to the west of the proposed site. The connection is proposed via a 400kV cable that will connect into a new 400kV substation.
The site comprises arable farmland measuring approximately 27 hectares (66.9 acres), the existing use of the site would be considered agricultural in planning terms and does not comprise Best and Most Versitile (BMV) agricultural land. The development is proposed to be a temporary installation being operational for a period of 40 years, after which the site would be restored to its current agricultural function.
BESS allow energy generated by intermittent renewable sources like solar and wind power to be stored at times of low energy demand, and then discharged later, at times of peak demand. This on-demand power supply reduces the need for additional expensive and environmentally damaging peaking power plants and infrastructure, which are otherwise used to meet peaks in energy demand. This balancing function also ensures a more stable and reliable power supply, helping to prevent blackouts, and these efficiencies can help reduce energy costs.
As the UK transitions towards Net Zero, battery storage projects, such as Wheaten Hill, will make a significant contribution to meeting the country’s ambitious 2050 carbon reduction target. Redditch Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and committed to reducing their carbon emission by 50% by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2040.
You are invited to attend our public consultation event at Feckenham Village Hall on Thursday 28th November 2024 from 2pm to 7pm.
Feckenham Village Hall | High Street | Feckenham | Redditch | B96 6HN
gigawatt hours of Low-Carbon
Energy storage
FULLY
REVERSIBLE
DEVELOPMENT
Net Zero
Target
Preserved
public rights of way
Additional Trees
& Hedgerows
Planted
enhanced
biodiversity gains
All statistics shown are on an annual basis.
LOCATION – why here?
HARVESTING ENERGY IN BALANCE WITH NATURE.
Tackling climate change requires unprecedented and urgent action. To thrive, the UK will need to support the growth of new sectors. The transition to powering our homes and businesses with low-cost, low-carbon electricity generated from renewable energy sources is an essential part of the UK’s climate change strategy and needs to
be delivered at pace and scale. The UK needs BESS developments like this one, as well as many others, to carry out that transition and achieve its ambitions.
The first step for the identification of a suitable site is to be close to a secured grid connection point which has spare capacity to enable development of a BESS site. BOOM Power has engaged with the National Grid to secure such a connection here. To ensure the proposed development is economically viable and to minimise energy losses, the cable run will be kept at short as possible. This will reduce both costs and energy waste for sites located further from the grid connection point.
On securing the connection offer, we explored potential available land in the vicinity considering the main environmental and planning constraints. We also consider geographical and topographical considerations such as slope, aspect and access. Once potentially suitable locations have been identified, we engage with landowners in the area, to ascertain their interest in being involved with a BESS development. Detailed studies are being carried out by technical specialists to inform the final scheme design to respond to each of the following points:
BENEFITS & DESIGN
DIVERSIFY FARMING.
Redditch Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and supports renewable energy developments within its Local Development Plan. The proposed Wheaten Hill BESS will contribute to local climate change goals, as well as wider national targets. As part of the project’s design, there will be new planting and landscaping around the development to soften its appearance and reduce any visual impacts. This planting will in turn lead to a significant enhancement of biodiversity compared to the current levels on site.
We anticipate the construction of this scheme will take approximately 18 months. Local highway restrictions will be followed, and a Construction Traffic Management Plan will be agreed with the Local Highway Authority and Highways England, to ensure construction vehicle movements to and from the site are appropriately managed and that the effect of the construction phase on the local highway network is minimised.
Boom Power recognises the importance of ensuring the local community benefits from this development, and as such, will be looking to bring forward a community benefit fund with this project. This fund will seek to support a variety of local initiatives that meet broad criteria generally in line with local energy, climate change, environment, ecology and sustainability objectives.
In addition to the community benefit fund, the BESS will provide local employment opportunities through the development and construction phase, as well as generating millions of pounds in local business rates once operational to support local services.
It is anticipated that consumer electricity demand will continue to rise rapidly in England, and across the UK, with researchers suggesting a 50% increase by 2035. This increase is being driven in large part by the electrification of transport, as petrol and diesel vehicles are replaced by electric ones, and heating, as gas boilers are replaced by heat pumps. To support the grid in meeting this increase in energy supply and demand, battery storage facilities allow renewable energy generated elsewhere to be distributed around the electricity network as efficiently as possible.
BESS allows excess energy generated to be stored at times of low demand, and then discharged later, at times of peak demand. Currently, this balancing function is being fulfilled by traditional peaking power plants that rely on fossil fuels, commonly gas. There is a move across the globe to replace these with battery storage systems, such as the proposed.
Battery storage systems consist of multiple battery cells connected together to form a larger unit, typically housed in a container, such as that depicted. The individual battery cells are exceptionally similar to those found in many everyday items, such as drills, hoovers and even cars, the difference being that there are many thousands of them grouped and managed together.
We understand that fire safety is a critical concern for communities near Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). We want to reassure you that we are fully committed to implementing the highest safety standards to protect the community, environment, and our personnel.
A robust, safety-first approach is taken to all BESS design at BOOM Power. We apply the most up-to-date regulations and guidance on BESS safety and supplement this with the support of leading technology suppliers, under the supervision of independent industry experts and in liaison with local fire services.
Have your say
Your Opinion Matters.
At Boom Power we are committed to ensuring that we remain open and engaged with the community regarding our proposals. We believe that retaining a transparent approach throughout the development process with those in the surrounding communities is crucial to achieving a brighter future for us all.
Your opinion matters, and every response to this consultation will be considered, evaluated, and used to develop our final design.
You can share your thoughts by completing our feedback form online using the button below.
Alternatively, you can contact us using the contact form below, email us directly at feedback@alpacacommunications.co.uk or call our dedicated phone line on 0800 066 8943.
If you have any questions or would like to request copies of information (including in accessible formats if needed) please contact us using the general contact form button.
The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 12th December 2024. All responses received before this will be considered and summarised in our consultation report. Responses received after this time may not be considered.
CONTACT the Wheaten Hill BESS team.
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