Salt Way Energy Storage

Welcome to the Salt Way Energy Storage System (ESS) webpage.  

Innova is proposing a 400 Megawatt (MW) ESS south of Astwood Road, between Feckenham and Astwood Bank located on approximately 13.1 hectares of land.  

The proposal would support the UK’s transition to Net Zero and greater use of renewable energy by increasing the availability of energy to the National Grid.  

Renewable energy is characterised by its intermittent generation profile. For example, solar energy’s generation profile is driven by the amount of sunlight throughout the day. Energy storage systems like the one proposed at Salt Way provide a solution to this by storing electricity from the grid at times of oversupply, and releasing electricity back into the grid at times of peak demand. 

Energy storage systems will be an essential component of the power supply cycle that ensures continuous energy flow to everyone’s homes. 

The UK has committed to becoming Net Zero by 2050 and has a target to decarbonise the electricity grid by 2035. The Proposed Development would support the UK’s transition to Net Zero, and increase the use of renewable energy through supporting the availability of energy to the National Grid. 
 
The site has been carefully selected and designed through a detailed assessment process, which considers heritage, landscape, ecological and environmental designations, access, water management, noise impact, safety, transport, and agricultural land quality. We have engaged a team of expert consultants to advise on the project. In line with Innova’s values, we aim to enhance the overall environment and biodiversity of all our sites.  

There will be a significant increase in demand for electricity in the coming years as more sectors (such as cars, heating, road fleet and trains) rely more extensively on electricity as a fuel source. The Future Energy Scenarios 2023 report (written by National Grid ESO) indicates that the UK will potentially need more than 63GW of energy storage by 2050 and this proposal would add a significant amount of energy storage to this pipeline.  

In April 2022, Renewable UK reported that, nationwide, there was around 1.5GW of energy storage in operation, 1.5GW under construction, and 10GW that had consent, but had not yet been built. A significant increase is required in order to meet the projected requirements.  

As a result, renewable energy developments like Salt Way Energy Storage (ESS) are a key part of addressing the Climate Emergency. The development will serve an important role in this vital transition to renewable energy. 

There is widespread awareness of the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and an encouragement to increase the generation and use of renewable energy. Redditch Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019, and has placed the Climate Emergency at the centre of its decision-making process. The Council aims to reduce carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve Net Zero by 2040 in line with the UK’s strategy.  

We have proposed Salt Way Energy Storage to be located near Salt Way, between Feckenham and Astwood Bank, on approximately 13.1 hectares of land. 

The site has been selected based on its proximity to the confirmed grid connection point at the Feckenham Substation, available land with landowners willing to lease the land for the development, land with limited planning policy designations.   

Access information:

We are proposing to build a new access point off the Salt Way road as advised by our transport consultants to safely access and egress the site. A secondary route off Astwood Lane is included within the proposal for emergency access use. Our construction traffic route is being reviewed and will be available at the public consultation event.

Cable route:

The cable route will enter the southeast corner of the Feckenham substation using land within our landowner’s control.  

The Equipment

Click on the images below to learn more about the equipment that will be used to build the site:

The aim of our energy developments is to not only contribute to the UK energy crisis solution, but to also benefit local communities, protect people, heritage, and the environment, and enrich the biological diversity of the area. We undertake a wide range of surveys to ensure we are putting forward a suitable design that mitigates potential impacts and enhances the benefits of the site. Some of these surveys include: 

Ecology: A bespoke biodiversity strategy was prepared to ensure that existing and new habitats are enhanced or created to benefit local wildlife.  Ecology studies have been undertaken to identify any site-specific sensitivities, and we have used this information to design and develop our long-term management plan for the site.  

Cultural Heritage and Archaeology:  We have undertaken cultural heritage and Geophysical assessments. This has confirmed the probability of encountering archaeological remains is considered to be low. Any further works required will be reviewed with the county archaeologist during the determination of the planning application.  

Landscape: The site has been selected as it is set close to established energy infrastructure, removed from sensitive receptors, and benefits from established screening, which limits any landscape impact.  We will be planting additional hedgerows and woodland to reduce the visibility of the site. 

Noise: A detailed noise impact assessment is currently being prepared which will include suitable mitigation.  

Arboricultural Assessment: We have conducted an arboriculture assessment to ensure that we are avoiding root protection zones on site wherever possible. The only area where hedgerows may be removed will be to create a new access point, and to make sure that hedgerows are not reducing visibility from this access point.  

Agricultural Land Classification (ALC): An extensive ALC survey has been undertaken which has confirmed the land to be Grade 3b. This is not classed as “best and most versatile” agricultural land.  

Other surveys currently being conducted include: 

• Construction traffic management plan 

• Flood Risk Assessment 

• Landscape and Visual Assessment