Approval near for energy storage system near M1

Plans for a new energy storage facility close to the M1 in Derbyshire are on track for approval. Bolsover District Council's planning committee is set to consider proposals from Lightsource bp this Wednesday to construct a 99.9MW storage system on land at Hurst Farm, located off Mansfield Road in Tibshelf.

The project involves a series of battery containers and supporting infrastructure designed to store electricity and release it into the grid as required, helping to stabilize supply and demand.

According to planning documents, the site would cover 7.9 hectares (19.5 acres) and is expected to make a significant contribution to the UK's energy storage capacity. The council report highlights that many renewable energy sources depend on conditions such as sunlight or wind, and without storage systems, excess energy could be lost.

The report notes that battery storage allows energy to be captured when generated and held for use when needed. Planning materials emphasize that opportunities to develop renewable energy projects of this scale are limited by the capacity of the National Grid, and this project offers a meaningful way to enhance the UK's renewable energy supply.

Under the plans, the facility would be decommissioned and the land returned to agricultural use after 40 years.

Author: Sophia Brooks