Renewable energy developer NatPower is opening up a community consultation for a 1GW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Leicestershire, which is expected to be located within the existing Swinford Wind Farm, owned and operated by Vattenfall. The proposed project, called Swinford BESS, will include a transmission-connected substation and biodiversity enhancements in addition to the battery units. The consultation is being held from now until April 11, 2025, with a public information event scheduled for March 24 at Swinford Village Hall. NatPower plans to submit a planning application to Harborough District Council in late spring.
The project aims to deliver clean, secure, and affordable energy for the UK, and NatPower is eager to hear from local residents about their concerns and ideas. As part of the consultation, the company will also be discussing its proposed Community Energy Transition Foundation, which could provide around £1 million annually to community initiatives in the area.
NatPower is actively pursuing gigawatt-scale projects, having recently submitted planning applications for two more 1GW BESS projects in north Yorkshire. The company is committed to bringing over 60GWh of battery capacity online in the UK by 2040, as part of a £10 billion investment in the UK battery energy storage sector. The company’s goals aim to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for the UK.