Worset Lane Battery Energy Storage System
Introducing Worset Lane Battery Energy Storage System
Where is Worset Lane Battery Energy Storage System?
Clearstone Energy is proposing to develop a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on land at Worset Lane, near Hartlepool, TS27 3AW.
Clearstone Energy is working with National Grid on the Worset Lane, BESS, as part of National Grid’s Pathfinder project. Pathfinder projects
are designed to increase network resilience as the energy market rapidly transitions towards renewable and low carbon generation. Hartlepool has been identified as a region that critically needs a Pathfinder project in order to support the National Grid in delivering grid stability.
Why Do We Need Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)?
Indicative Image not representative of the scheme design
BESS allow renewable energy to be efficiently stored and supplied to the grid when it’s needed. With BESS we can use renewable energy to power our homes and businesses when the wind stops blowing and the sun isn’t shining.
BESS facilities store electricity when demand is low or there is over- supply and release it back to the grid when demand is high. Moreover, they can provide ‘system security’, supplying energy during electricity outages minimising disruption and costs.
The Site
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The Right Location
The site is located to the south-west of Hart village, 5km west of Hartlepool and directly south of the A179. Clearstone Energy secured planning consent for the constructed Gas Plant located to the west of the site. The site area covers a total of 11 hectares, with significant space available for wildlife and habitat enhancements on what is currently intensively farmed arable land with little existing biodiversity.
Located between two electrical substations, the recently constructed Gas Plant to the west, and the recently consented Solar Farm to the east, and ample access from the A179 via Worset Lane, the Site is considered to be highly suitable for the BESS facility.
The site is located in close proximity to National Grid’s Hartmoor Substation which has been designed for a Pathfinder project. Within the wider area there are multiple energy infrastructure features including wind turbines and large pylons. In addition, there is ample space on the Site to deliver biodiversity improvements, reinforce the existing natural screening along the visible Site’s boundaries and deliver sustainable drainage systems to make it visually and environmentally acceptable to the surrounding local area.
Once operational there will be minimal traffic generated by the proposals. The proposed development is temporary (40 years). The Site will be restored to agricultural use once the proposed development has been decommissioned.
Three potential access routes are being considered off Worset Lane and we anticipate that construction will last approximately 12 months.
The Benefits
• The BESS would support the UK’s urgent need for energy security.
• The BESS would support the UK’s transition to a low carbon future, hitting its target of cutting carbon emissions by 78% by 2035.
• It would help National Grid to use renewable energy to power our homes and businesses when the wind stops blowing and the sun isn’t shining.
• It will assist Hartlepool Borough Council to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with local, national and international targets.
• A scheme of landscape and ecological improvements will be prepared. These potentially include areas of wildflower and bird seed mix, bat and bird boxes and infilling of hedges with additional tree planting.
• The project is located between two electrical substations, the recently constructed Gas Plant to the east and the recently consented solar farm to the west.
• Hartlepool is a region that critically requires stability services, and the near-by Hartmoor Substation (also on Worset Lane) is a key infrastructure participant to support National Grid in this region.
• The proposed scheme would not require any government subsidies.
Getting to Net Zero
Unveiled before crucial UN Cop26 climate talks, the Government announced its target to make Britain’s electricity system “net zero carbon” by 2035, a key component of its pledge to reach net zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. Put simply Net Zero means that we will put no more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than we take out.
Renewable Energy has the single largest role in achieving this target as low carbon technologies such as solar and wind have matured, and can replace existing coal and gas power plants. Draft Government Policy (EN-1) makes clear that storage has a key role to play in achieving net zero and providing flexibility to the energy system, so that high volumes of low carbon power, heat and transport can be integrated.
Energy storage systems play a vital role in delivering net zero commitments set at local and national level; the National Grid estimates that over 100GWh of energy storage will be required to meet the UK’s net zero target by 2050.
Public Consultation
Public Consultation Event
We hosted a public consultation event on Thursday 26 May from 14.00-19.00 at Hartlepool Cricket Club, Park Drive, Hartlepool, TS26 0DA.
Please find here the public consultation boards that were presented at the event.
Tell us what you think
Please complete the feedback form you received in the post, or fill in this online questionnaire.
Planning Timeline
Contact us.
If you would like to register your support for the scheme, have any comments or questions about solar technology, details of the scheme or have any suggestions you would like us to consider as we prepare a planning application, please let us know using the form below.
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