An artistic rendering of the BESS site and fields surrounding it, in watercolour paint
An artistic rendering of the newly approved site. Image: BOOM Power.

Developer BOOM Power has successfully landed planning permission for a major battery energy storage system (BESS) project on the Isle of Anglesey, Wales.

The Carrog BESS is a 300MW/660MWh, two-hour duration project located at Carrog Ganol, near Cemaes. The developers emphasise that the 38.7-acre project site does not include any land designated as the best and most versatile agricultural land. The development will involve the installation of 158 BESS units plus two spares, as well as associated infrastructure. BOOM Power have not yet provided any indication of when construction will begin.

The stand-alone facility will connect directly to the grid and sit within a natural dip in the landscape, which, alongside plans for new landscaping near the site, will preserve the visuals of the surrounding area, which is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. BOOM Power’s founder, Mark Hogan, highlighted that the scheme was “well considered”.

Jack Spurway, head of planning for BOOM Power, added: “We have enjoyed a proactive working relationship with the local community and the Isle of Anglesey County Council. As well as delivering on local and national net zero and energy security targets, the scheme will also contribute towards a community benefit fund that will help deliver benefits to the local communities that will host the development.”

BOOM Power sees explosive growth

BOOM Power has a large portfolio of solar and BESS projects in England, Scotland and Wales, including multiple Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs). At the end of May, the company closed its second public consultation into a proposed 237.5MW co-located solar and storage project in Fenwick, Doncaster, and plans to submit the application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) by the end of 2024. The company is also developing another co-located solar and battery storage project, the 400MW East Yorkshire Solar Farm, which is currently under examination by the planning inspectorate.

In August, BOOM Power revealed plans for a new BESS facility in Scotland, a 50MW standalone project located in North Lanarkshire. Public consultation on the project is set to continue through late 2024 ahead of submitting proposals to Scotland’s Energy Consents Unit for approval.