A RENEWABLE energy project near Taunton generating enough electricity to power around 30,000 homes is complete.
The Battery Energy Storage Site (BESS), which has a capacity of 30MW, stores power from the grid when it is not needed and can be sold back for a profit at peak times.
The original facility was designed to produce up to 25MW of power for up to one hour, but South Somerset District Council (SSDC) worked with Opium Power Ltd to add capacity for a further 5MW.
As a result of the success in Taunton, SSDC, with its joint venture energy company SSDC Opium Power, will be starting a new project - a new battery storage facility near Fareham in Hampshire.
John Clark, SSDC’s portfolio holder for economy and income generation, said: “Now that our partnership has successfully completed the Taunton BESS project, and it is fully functioning as intended, we are in a unique position nationally to take on similar projects with experience and confidence.
“The Fareham project provides an ideal follow-up.
“With the risk reduced from our experience, we can be very confident that the new project will generate a very good return to help retain vital services.”
With the onset of the coronavirus crisis, the council decided to invest more in renewable energy and battery storage.
Sarah Dyke, SSDC’s portfolio holder for environment, added: "As well as finding significant efficiency savings, the council is committed to protecting front line services and meeting its ambition to improve life in south Somerset.
“To achieve that aim whilst we are being more commercial in our approach, we also take our role in caring for the environment seriously.
“We are committed to doing all we can to promote the efficient use of energy resources locally and UK wide."
The Fareham facility will provide 40MW of electrical power on demand to the National Grid.
SSDC leader, Val Keitch, said: "This second project builds on our experience and expertise, helps our environment and delivers commercial income, which is just what we want our environmental and commercial strategy to deliver.
“Our team has worked incredibly hard to maximise development of our first site near Taunton and to secure this exciting second development and investment; all during the added challenges of Covid-19.
“It will not only help the wider environment, but also provide invaluable revenue to help protect and strengthen vital services for our communities in south Somerset."
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