Central Bedfordshire Council has submitted a planning application for critical infrastructure that will unlock the potential for greener energy. 

The Council has set itself a challenging carbon reduction target and renewable energy generation is part of the approach to meeting these objectives.

One of the biggest issues with generating energy from renewable sources is that supply doesn’t always match demand, and this means there is a need to store the energy for future use. 

The new storage facility would represent a significant leap forward in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, offering countless benefits for the environment, the economy, and communities.

Located in Biggleswade, next to the sub-station, the proposed battery storage facility would provide energy storage and rapid-response electrical back-up to the grid, offering a flexible system to balance energy supply and demand, helping contribute to the UK’s progress in meeting its renewable energy target. 

By efficiently capturing and storing this energy, the facility would ensure a reliable, uninterrupted power supply even during periods of low energy generation, such as on cloudy days or at night. This innovation allows for the optimal use of renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and significantly decreasing carbon emissions.

Cllr Adam Zerny, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council said: “This is a commitment to cleaner and greener energy. Renewable energy brings great benefits, but much excess power generated is just lost. Battery storage goes a long way to solving this problem. Battery storage also has the potential to provide income for the council and we will continue to explore opportunities to bring forward renewable energy schemes in the future. This means more money to run public services such as social care, road maintenance, and the other things most valued by people across Central Bedfordshire.”