A 50MW Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) plant owned by Northumberland Estates has received planning approval, and it could help North Tyneside power thousands of homes with renewable energy.
The company’s first renewables venture received approval for the 3.4-acre property on Venus Park in the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate.
With solar, rooftop solar, and additional battery storage sites currently in the works, Northumberland Estates has ambitious energy ambitions for the future.
Such battery energy storage initiatives are key to the UK’s transition to green energy and are a crucial component of the infrastructure required to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources.
The programme supports North Tyneside Council’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and the government’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. It also works to increase local biodiversity by pledging to plant trees, hedges, and wildflowers on-site.
Barry Spall, Northumberland Estates’ development planner, said: “Obtaining planning permission for our first renewables scheme is a major achievement.”
“Battery Energy Storage Systems offer a safe and effective way of storing green energy, ensuring a stable supply during peak usage or operating critical systems during a grid outage as well as supporting the UK’s drive towards a renewable-powered future.”
“This site could help meet the needs of many thousands of homes and businesses.”
In addition to helping to achieve net-zero through programmes that maximise energy import and export and generate a dependable, cost-effective supply, Northumberland Estates’ continuous investment in the North East renewables industry also supports job creation and skills development in the area.
