Major battery storage facility approved at Fiddler’s Ferry

PLANS for a major battery storage facility within the site of the decommissioned Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station have been approved by Warrington planning chiefs.

The purpose of the development by SSE Energy Solutions is to store excess electricity at times of low demand and re-distribute it back into the National Grid at times of higher demand or network instability.
The fast-acting response service will help ensure that National Grid can maintain electricity transmission network stability set by Government under its Electricity Transmission Licence and the Security and Quality of Supply Standard.

Fiddlers Ferry is considered suitable for the development given the proposed re-development of the power station site following demolition of the existing infrastructure.
It is also within close proximity of a National Grid substation where a connection can be made easily.
The power station site has been purchased by natural resources and energy company Peel NRE which plan to produce a 10-15 year mixed-use master plan for the 820-acre site – one of the largest browsnfield sites in the country.
New developments for industrial use and new homes in a sustainable community are planned to provide jobs, skills and address housing shortages in the borough.
The plans will also create extensive new parkland and wildlife areas to enhance the environment.
SSE Energy Solutions’ proposals involve an area of the power station site scheduled for employment.

Approving the proposals, Warrington Borough Council planners said the proposal did not raise any issues of concern. The principle of development is considered acceptable having regard to the existing land use and Draft Local Plan site allocation.