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As we transition towards a more sustainable future, battery storage projects are becoming increasingly important in the UK’s energy landscape. These projects, which involve the installation of large-scale battery systems on land, play a crucial role in balancing electricity supplies during times of peak demand.
Landowners who fall within a mile or so of a large National Grid substation or a future substation are being approached by developers offering to promote new battery schemes. As the battery sector is still in its infancy, it is essential to receive informed advice to avoid common pitfalls.
Due diligence
When exploring energy proposals, it is important to understand the specifics of these projects, including the process of connecting to the grid, predicted energy use, grid connection offers, heads of terms, letters of authority, grid connection queue management and land area requirements. Understanding the grid capacity will also allow the landowner and promoter to understand the scale of any proposed scheme, which will fundamentally affect the total amount that the landowner may receive for any given scheme.
Land area
The land area required for a battery storage project will vary from scheme to scheme, although batteries take up little space compared to solar and are considerably more profitable per acre. An acre of land may hold a 15-30 MW battery scheme. On the other hand, a solar scheme producing the same amount of power may require 150+ acres. A 200 MW (13 acre) battery scheme could store enough power to power over 300,000 homes.
Landowners who have previously been approached for a solar scheme should now consider whether they may have a greater appetite to explore the possibilities of batteries.
Mixed schemes
Some proposals may consist of a mixture of solar panels and batteries. The batteries can receive the electricity from the solar panels during the day and then export the electricity when there is greatest demand at a higher price per KW.
Conclusion
Battery technology continues to develop, leading to the increased efficiency of energy storage systems, which in turn are making these projects highly profitable for both the landowner and developer. The ability to store energy and release it when needed not only helps to balance the grid but also allows for greater integration of renewable energy sources, therefore reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. This is a key factor in the UK’s strategy to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
At Robinson & Hall, we act for the landowner, not the promoter, to guide you through the process and to achieve the most favourable terms. Factors that are often negotiated include the upfront payment to the landowner, the length of the term of the lease agreement and the proposed rent.
If you are considering a battery or solar project on your land and would like to find out how we can help you, then please contact Hugo.
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