Welcome to our consultation for a new Battery Energy Storage System, Desborough, North Northamptonshire
Welcome
Thank you for taking the time to find out more about our plans for a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which if approved, would deliver a 252 MW BESS to Desborough, North Northamptonshire.
Your views are very important to us, and we want to ensure that our proposals are delivered in close collaboration with the local community so they can deliver the right benefits for North Northamptonshire, and the wider region.
This website has been created to provide more information on our proposals so you can find out more and submit your feedback ahead of us submitting a planning application to North Northamptonshire Council.
Our public consultation closed on 22nd April. We will be updating the website shortly with the link to our Statement of Community Involvement.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
What is BESS?
BESS is a technology that can store excess energy generated from multiple sources during periods of low demand, or during periods of high renewable energy production, for later use. This energy, which will be generated increasingly by renewable sources such as wind or solar, will be stored until it is needed and then be released back into the grid at times of either peak demand or when the grid requires additional support.
This technology is essential to speed up the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable power as renewable energy cannot consistently produce electricity at all hours of the day. Therefore, installing BESS enables energy to power homes and businesses even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing.
As part of National Grid’s ongoing reform of the grid connection process, the connection date for the project will be confirmed once planning permission for the proposal is granted. Once connected, the BESS will play a crucial role in enhancing energy security, reducing long-term energy costs, and supporting North Northamptonshire Council’s goal of reaching Net Zero by 2050.
Is BESS safe?
The BESS will be equipped with a sophisticated Battery Management System (BMS) that continuously monitors temperature, voltage, and current to detect any anomalies and ensure the safety and security of the scheme.
There are several steps and measures that we will implement to further prevent the risk of a fire. These include:
- We will follow the National Fire Chiefs Council [NFCC] guidance that sets out a number of fire risk and safety criteria which BESS schemes (typically 1 MW or larger) should seek to adhere to.
- When the application is submitted, a Battery Safety Management Plan will be published which will include the extensive measures in place to ensure the development is safe.
- In line with the industry guidance, North Northamptonshire’s Fire and Rescue Service will have the opportunity to review and comment the plans to ensure compliance.
- Fire resistant barriers and containment systems will be installed to prevent the spread of fire between battery modules and to the surrounding environment.
Benefits of BESS
Storing electricity in BESS has a number of benefits for local residents and businesses:
- Stabilising the Grid – BESS technology helps to balance supply and demand of electricity. Once operational it is a reliable power source that can be used to stabilise the Grid when demand is high, or energy production is low.
- Enhanced Energy Security – By storing energy from UK sources for when it is needed most, BESS technology allows the UK to rely more on domestic, cleaner energy sources, improving long-term energy security.
- Energy Costs – By enabling the storage of cheaper, off-peak electricity and releasing it during peak demand times, BESS can help reduce overall energy costs for consumers in the longer term.
- Contributing to Net-Zero goals – By releasing stored energy into the Grid when it is needed most, there is a reduction in need for traditional energy sources from fossil fuels. This storage capacity will be essential as the nation transitions to Net Zero.
- Community Benefits – The construction of the BESS will look to provide employment opportunities for local people including apprenticeships and partnerships with local contractors. Elmya RPC has also committed to the creation of a community fund, to serve the local community through the life cycle of the project.
Virtual Exhibition
You can explore our virtual exhibition for the BESS proposals from your desktop browser or mobile phone. To move around the exhibition, click on the screen and drag the cursor to turn to the left or to the right, clicking on the boards directly to learn more information.
Site Plan
Click on the dots below to learn more about this site.
Market Harborough
Existing Substation
BESS compound area
Access route to BESS compound area
Access route to BESS compound area
Braybrooke
Your feedback
Please read the following statements and indicate your opinion by selecting the option which most aligns with your view.
Contact Us
You can contact the project team and share your feedback by:
- Emailing us with your comments, questions or feedback at: email: desboroughbess@havingyoursay.co.uk
- Calling the team on 0161 711 0293 (lines open Monday – Friday, 9:00am to 5:30pm)
- Writing to us at FREEPOST SHAPE TOMORROW
All feedback received will be summarised in a Statement of Community Involvement which will be submitted to the Council alongside the planning application.
About Elmya
Elmya is a Sevillian infrastructure company who has operated in the UK for over 10 years. We are committed to driving the energy transition, sustainability and excelling in the renewable energy sector.
With a deep-rooted history and a people-centred approach, our mission is clear and inspiring: to enhance quality of life and actively contribute to decarbonising the economy in the ongoing fight against climate change.
Find out more about us via our website here: https://elmya.com/en/home/
About RPC
Renewable Power Capital is a London-headquartered pan-European renewables company established in 2020, with the backing of CPP Investments.
RPC invests in the development, construction, and long-term operation of onshore wind, solar, and battery storage projects, enabling the energy transition and driving stable long-term, risk-adjusted returns. RPC’s flexible mandate allows it to structure investments which recognise the changing market dynamics in Europe and create innovative solutions to build relationships designed for decades rather than months.
RPC is led by a seasoned and established team of energy industry professionals with deep renewable power, technical, and operational expertise, and a strong common purpose. RPC aims to pioneer the European renewables sector, accelerating the already-rapid growth and playing a key role in making the energy transition a reality.For more information, please visit https://www.renewablepowercapital.com/.