A NEW battery storage project has been given the go-ahead in Cornwall and will be 'energised' in 2028.

Balance Power, an independent energy developer, has announced the approval of a 49.5MW battery storage project in St Austell.

The project is anticipated to abate ≈258,000tCO₂ over its lifetime, equating to over one-billion car miles or removing 2,500 cars off the road. 

The project was granted development approval by Cornwall County Council, following extensive community engagement, parish council meetings, and a pre-application.

The battery storage facility will be energised in 2028. 

Specialising in a mix of renewable technologies including solar PV and battery storage, Balance Power has secured planning consents on more than 396 MW of generating capacity, 164MW in 2022 alone, with a further 1.2GW of generating capacity under development.

Balance Power already has 34 energy projects and is continuing to develop an expanding portfolio of projects at locations across the UK.

Phil Thompson, CEO at Balance Power, said: "We are proud to be growing our pipeline of projects that will have a direct, positive impact on the UK’s transition to achieving net zero and energy security.

"The issue over the UK’s energy security must be addressed through increased investment and development of renewables and power storage projects, and in addition to the grid’s infrastructure.

"I want to praise Cornwall County Council, which since the beginning, has been extremely supportive of the project and understands the positive impact it will have in the long-term. 

"We look forward to seeing the project become fully operational in the coming years."

It should be noted that Cornwall Council is a unitary authority and has been since 2009 when Cornwall County Council merged with the six Borough and District Councils of Cornwall - Caradon, Carrick, Kerrier, North Cornwall, Restormel and Penwith.