One Plant Developments has received approval to construct a battery energy storage system (BESS) adjacent to the former Ferrybridge C power station in Wakefield. The facility will be located on greenbelt land off Stranglands Lane. BESS technology captures energy from renewable sources and discharges it into the National Grid during peak demand periods.
The Wakefield Council supported the project, which faced only one objection and no endorsements from the public. The choice of location is strategic, given its proximity to the Ferrybridge C substation, which facilitates efficient energy transfer.
According to One Plant Developments, the site is isolated from residential areas, minimizing potential impact on local communities. The facility will operate without staff on-site, requiring access only for periodic maintenance checks. As there is no public access to the site, the development is unlikely to disrupt the surrounding area.
The former Ferrybridge power station, which ceased operations in March 2016 after over 50 years of energy generation, was once among the largest coal-fired power plants in Europe, capable of supplying electricity to two million homes. This new BESS initiative aims to leverage the existing infrastructure to support the transition to renewable energy, enhancing grid stability and storage capacity.
