Renewable Power Capital (RPC) and Greenfield have secured planning permission for a 49.9 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project in the Vale of Glamorgan, near Cardiff, Wales. This approval marks the third such project for the partners, bringing their combined UK BESS pipeline with planning permission to 112.7 MW, a significant step towards enhancing grid flexibility and supporting the UK's decarbonization targets.

The Cardiff BESS project, once constructed, will connect to the distribution network with an expected operational date of 2030. Construction is anticipated to span 6 to 12 months. This facility, alongside the previously approved Steventon and Tredington projects, underscores the critical role of energy storage in managing the intermittency of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, thereby ensuring a stable and resilient electricity grid. The UK government aims to fully decarbonize its electricity grid by 2030, a target heavily reliant on the deployment of flexible assets such as BESS.

Cyrille Sokpor, Senior Vice President for UK and Poland Development at RPC, emphasized the project's contribution: "We’re delighted to receive planning permission for yet another UK BESS project that will make a timely contribution to the Government’s goal of decarbonising the electricity system by 2030. BESS is an essential component of a stable and flexible grid, providing power when the wind isn’t blowing and the sun isn’t shining, and we at RPC are proud to be delivering this important technology."

Beyond its technical contributions, the Cardiff development integrates substantial environmental enhancements. RPC and Greenfield are committed to improving natural habitats, with plans to significantly boost biodiversity at the site. This includes enhancing existing hedgerows and creating 4560 m² of new species-rich grassland, measures designed to foster a thriving ecosystem and increase the site’s ecological distinctiveness. David Ring, Managing Director, UK, at Greenfield, highlighted this dual focus: "The Cardiff project not only supports grid stability, but also aligns with our commitment to biodiversity and environmental stewardship. We’re proud to be advancing a portfolio that combines clean energy development with ecological enhancement."

Since forming their development partnership in May 2023, RPC has rapidly expanded its battery storage pipeline to more than 5.5 GW across Great Britain, Italy, and Finland. This aggressive expansion reflects a broader industry trend towards significant investment in energy storage solutions, driven by the increasing penetration of renewable energy and the imperative for grid modernization. The successful permitting of these projects positions RPC and Greenfield as key players in the European energy storage market, contributing directly to national energy security and climate objectives.