Firstway Energy Secures Planning Approval for 100MW BESS in Derbyshire
Key Insights
Firstway Energy has obtained planning consent for a 100MW, 2-hour duration battery energy storage system (BESS) in Willington, South Derbyshire.
The project, connecting to the Willington substation, adds to the developer's pipeline of over 600MW of consented BESS projects.
South Derbyshire also recently approved a 138MW solar PV project with a co-located 37.5MW BESS, highlighting the region's renewable energy growth.
The UK energy storage sector received a boost with the launch of the Energy Storage Association (ESA), a new trade group.
Battery energy storage system (BESS) developer Firstway Energy has secured planning approval for a 100MW, 2-hour duration BESS project in Willington, South Derbyshire. The project will connect directly to the nearby Willington substation, though construction timelines remain undisclosed. This marks the sixth planning consent for Firstway Energy in the past eight months, expanding its pipeline to over 600MW of consented BESS projects. The developer collaborated closely with South Derbyshire Council and local stakeholders to finalize the proposal.
Nathan Stevenson, managing director at Firstway Energy, emphasized the project's significance, calling it "a welcome addition" to the company's growing portfolio. He praised the authorities for recognizing the critical role of energy storage in the UK's energy transition.
In parallel, South Derbyshire continues to emerge as a hub for renewable energy projects. Last week, the Oaklands Farm Solar project, a 138MW solar PV development with a co-located 37.5MW BESS, received approval. Proposed by BayWa r.e., the project promises a 125% biodiversity net gain and a £55,000 annual community benefit fund over its 40-year lifespan.
The UK energy storage sector also saw a milestone with the launch of the Energy Storage Association (ESA) on June 25. Founding members include GivEnergy Limited, Sunsynk, Powervault, and Octopus Energy, signaling growing industry collaboration to advance storage solutions.