Green light given to battery storage project on 19-acre site near Earl Shilton

The Normanton Energy Reserve will be one of the largest battery storage projects to be granted planning permission in the UK.

Blaby District Council has approved the planning application from Exagan Group to build a battery facility on land near Earl Shilton.

Once built the Normanton Energy Reserve will be capable of powering 235,000 homes for two hours – the equivalent of 80% of homes in Leicestershire.

Jeremy Littman, CEO at Exagen Group, said: “For the UK to achieve its 2050 net zero target at the lowest possible cost, there needs to be an increase in electricity storage capacity to balance renewable energy generation. As more renewables are deployed, larger battery projects like Normanton will be required. It is vital that they are developed sensitively and in partnership with the local communities that host them. We’ve been guided by our local stakeholders to achieve consent for a significant infrastructure project that is unobtrusive and balances national need with local benefit. We’ll work now to deliver this project into operation in that same spirit of partnership, and as an active and useful member of the local community."

Exagen has said that approximately 45% of the 19-acre site will be set aside to improve biodiversity by extending Normanton Millennium Wood and creating wildflower meadows.

The site is located on land east of the A47 to the northeast of Earl Shilton. 

The Normanton Energy Reserve will be one of the largest battery storage projects to be granted planning permission in the UK.