Kona Energy, a clean energy firm based in the UK, has received planning permission for a 200 MW battery storage project in Heysham, Lancashire. The project site is near the Walney offshore wind farm, which is one of six offshore wind farms. Once completed, Kona Energy claims that the project will be one of Europe’s largest battery storage facilities.
The project, which is part of the company’s wider 1 GW portfolio, is projected to ease grid constraints, boost renewable energy use, and offset 45,000 tonnes of carbon emissions every year. As per the company’s statement, the battery system will also provide critical local grid services such as inertia and reactive power support. The project is planned to play a vital role following the closure of the Heysham nuclear power station between 2024 and 2028.
Kona Energy has also agreed to provide financial support to a local community fund and a local nature reserve in order to increase biodiversity and protect habitat in the area.
