Plans for battery energy storage site on airfield

A large energy storage unit could be built on a former airfield near Oswestry - with plans to store enough excess energy to power 163,350 homes a year.

Elmya Energy is running a two-week consultation for a potential battery energy storage system (BESS) that would be built on land east of Rednal Airfield.

The company said the proposed site had been carefully selected to minimise its environmental and community impact.

Members of the public can provide feedback on the scheme via the online consultation, which began on Tuesday.

Elmya said the proposal could play a vital role in both supporting the council's climate commitments to cut carbon emissions by 2030 as well as ensuring national energy security.

BESS stores excess energy created during strong winds, bright sun, or periods of low demand.

They can then release the energy when demand is high, even when the sun is not shining or the wind not blowing.

This means homes and businesses can be powered consistently at all hours of the day.

James Innes, UK development director at Elmya, said this made the technology "essential" in the replacement of fossil fuels and imported energy.

"The Rednal BESS project represents an essential step towards decarbonising the economy while ensuring greater energy security for the local community," he said.

"We're eager to hear from residents and businesses in West Felton and across Shropshire to ensure these proposals reflect their priorities and deliver tangible benefits for the region."

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