Introduction
Innova are proposing a 1 gigawatt (GW) Energy Storage System (ESS) project to be located on land on Fairfield Farm, Walton on Trent.
The proposal would support the UK’s transition to Net Zero and the increased use of renewable energy through supporting the availability of energy to the National Grid. Renewable energy is characterised by its intermittent generation profile. For example, solar energy is produced during daylight hours, and wind generation fluctuates between seasons and during windy/less windy periods.
Energy storage developments like the one proposed at Fairfield Farm provide a solution to this by storing electricity from the grid at times of peak generation and releasing electricity back into the grid at times of peak demand. The proposal would provide a significant amount of energy storage capacity which is needed to balance the supply and demand for energy in the UK. It also facilitates the continued deployment of renewable energy onto the electricity network.
The site has been carefully selected and designed through a detailed assessment process considering heritage, landscape, ecological and environmental designations, access, flooding, transport, and agricultural land quality. We have engaged a team of expert consultants to provide advice on the project.
An important part of the development process is to engage with the local community. We therefore hosted a community consultation event at Walton on Trent Parish Council, Main Street, Walton on Trent, South Derbyshire, DE12 8LZ on Tuesday 3rd October 2023.
As part of this consultation, sought comments from the local community in order to shape the proposal before we submit the planning application to South Derbyshire District Council, and see whether the proposal can provide any additional benefits to local residents.