Balance Power to build new battery storage facility in Hinckley

Balance Power has obtained planning approval for a 49.5MW/99MWh battery storage project situated in Hinckley, south-west Leicestershire. 

Scheduled to be operational by October 2025, the Hinckley project will consist of 28 battery units and is poised to enhance grid stability by storing and discharging renewable energy based on demand fluctuations, benefiting approximately 13,000 homes.

Balance Power notes that the construction of the new battery storage facility will contribute to reducing about 9,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. This is equivalent to the impact of removing 6,500 cars from the roads each year. Additionally, the project includes a biodiversity enhancement scheme to ensure protection and benefits for local wildlife.

Rugby Borough Council greenlit the project following a community consultation process by Balance Power, which saw no objections from the public. The engagement involved collaboration with the community, town council, and local district councillors, reflecting community feedback into the project plans.

Charlotte Vick, Design Lead at Balance Power, commented, “We’re absolutely thrilled to have secured planning permission for this battery storage facility. It's set to make a considerable impact on Hinckley and the surrounding area, creating local construction and operation jobs and bolstering its energy security and reliability."

“What’s more, battery storage is essential for the UK’s transition to net zero. As more intermittent renewable energy comes online, battery storage plays a pivotal role in balancing supply and demand of clean power and therefore decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. We’re really pleased to have been given backing from the Rugby Borough Council and local residents.”

The lifespan of the facility is expected to be around 40 years, after which it will be dismantled and the site restored to its original condition.