Electrifying Leicestershire: Exagen’s Groundbreaking 500MW/1GWh Battery Project Gets Green Signal
Exciting news from the heart of Leicestershire! Blaby District Council has given the nod to UK developer Exagen for an ambitious grid-scale battery energy storage project. The Normanton Energy Reserve, set to be one of Europe’s largest projects of its kind, is poised to revolutionize the UK’s National Grid. Let’s unpack this mega project. Situated to the northeast of Earl Shilton, this 500MW/1GWh project isn’t just about storing energy; it’s about transforming the landscape of renewable energy in the UK. After extensive public consultations and careful planning, the project promises to enhance local biodiversity by over 25% with new habitats and extensive woodland. Picture this: a battery capable of powering 235,000 homes for two hours, covering 80% of the homes in Leicestershire. This isn’t just any battery; it’s set to be one of the largest Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the UK. But there’s more! This £270m site, around ten times larger than most current grid storage batteries, will connect directly to the energy network. Its role? To maintain grid stability amidst the growing demand for electricity.
Exagen has big plans. They emphasize that by 2050, the UK will need up to 35GW of storage capacity to meet net zero targets. The Normanton Energy Reserve alone will contribute 1.4% to this national goal. It’s not just a project; it’s a vital step towards the UK’s net-zero transition, ensuring safe and sustainable energy for homes and businesses. What’s happening on the ground? About 45% of the 19-acre site will be dedicated to improving biodiversity. There will be new wildflower meadows, spaces for beekeeping, and enhanced green spaces with the expansion of Normanton Millennium Wood. This project aims to boost biodiversity habitat units by over 25%. But Exagen’s commitment doesn’t end there. They plan to establish a community fund for local area improvements, building on their ongoing community engagement like sponsoring Thurlaston Junior Football Club. Once construction begins, £250,000 will be available for local projects and groups, with an additional £50,000 per year during the operational life of the project, totaling around £4m. As construction approaches, Exagen will focus on landscaping works and planting, followed by pre-construction activities. They aim to partner with local businesses, showcasing their commitment to community and local economy. Jeremy Littman, Exagen Development’s CEO, underscores the importance of this project. “For the UK to achieve its 2050 net zero target at the lowest possible cost, increasing electricity storage capacity is crucial,” he states. “Projects like Normanton are vital, and we’re committed to developing them in partnership with local communities.” This isn’t just a storage facility; it’s a beacon of sustainable progress. Exagen is set to embark on a journey to operationalize this project in the spirit of partnership, positioning themselves as a vital and proactive member of the local community. Stay tuned as we witness the unfolding of this monumental project! 🌱🔋🌍 #SustainableEnergy #GreenTech #BatteryStorage #ExagenProject #Leicestershire #RenewableEnergy #NetZero2050 #CommunityEngagement #EcoFriendly #CleanEnergyFuture
Credits: [Image: Exagen]
