Applicant AMP Clean Energy said ‘suitable land for such developments is not easy to find’
(Image: How the battery box would look – Pic: AMP-Energy/Bolton-council-planning-portal)
Plans have been submitted to place battery energy storage equipment by the A6 at the front of Bolton’s Georgian House hotel.
AMP Clean Energy plan to install the plant on a verge on Manchester Road by the Mercure Georgian House Hotel turning, between Middlebrook and Blackrod.
Documents published this week on Bolton council’s planning portal on behalf of AMC state each battery box has ‘a small footprint’ of 24sqm, equivalent to roughly two car parking spaces.
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A ‘battery box’ imports electricity from the network when demand is low or when there are high levels of renewable energy available.
It then exports that electricity back to the grid when required during periods of high demand.
The company said this addresses grid reliability issues prompted by an increase of intermittent wind and solar generation of the electricity system.
A covering letter with the application said: “The proposed development is located on verge on Manchester Road by the Mercure Hotel turning.
“It is on a vacant grass verge near the existing electrical substation. “Suitable land for energy developments is not easy to find.
“A suitable site must be within 50m of an existing substation or a large 3 phase low voltage cable to allow for a viable electrical connection.”
The letter said the proposed development will consist of a concrete plinth foundation, battery cabinets and associated equipment and a surrounding fence.
AMP Clean Energy develops, funds, builds, owns and operates renewable and low carbon energy facilities and flexible power assets across the UK.
It has around 225 assets operational.
If approved the construction of the site would take approximately four weeks.
Electrical equipment is manufactured off site and is lifted into position on the concrete plinth before the electrical connection is complete.
The covering letter added: ” The location and small footprint of the proposed development means it will have no impact on the surrounding site, it will however benefit the local area and national energy network.”
Planners in Bolton will consider the application in the coming weeks.
