Independent energy developer Balance Power has received planning approval from North Herts Council for its 49.5MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Radwell Bury, Hertfordshire.
The project, designed to support the UK’s transition to net zero, will store surplus renewable energy and release it during peak demand periods, strengthening grid stability and enabling greater use of intermittent clean power sources. Once operational, the facility is expected to supply electricity equivalent to powering 26,767 homes and cut 18,281 tonnes of CO₂ annually — comparable to removing 13,115 cars from the road or planting 29,250 trees.
Project Details
The development will comprise 48 battery units with two hours of storage capacity, and is projected to deliver a 44.25% biodiversity net gain. The scheme includes measures to protect and enhance local woodland belts, hedgerows, and meadow grasslands.
Approval followed extensive consultation with the community, town council, and district councillors, during which Balance Power revised its design to reflect local concerns. Importantly, the site was selected outside greenbelt and residential areas to minimize disruption.
Next Steps
Balance Power is now working to secure a grid connection date. At the end of its lifecycle, the facility will be decommissioned, with the site restored for agricultural use.
Ryan Stott, from Balance Power’s Connections Team, welcomed the decision, stating:
“We’re pleased to have received unanimous approval for this vital project and appreciate the strong engagement from the community and local council throughout the process. This site will not only reinforce national energy resilience but also deliver lasting environmental and community benefits.”
Company Background
Since 2017, Balance Power has advanced 39 energy projects to planning consent and has over 2GW of projects in development across the UK. The company continues to collaborate with landowners, councils, and local communities to deliver decentralised energy projects aligned with national decarbonisation goals.
