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BW ESS is a global energy storage owner-operator, moving with speed to deliver market-leading projects.
Our experience spans the development, delivery, and operation of major energy storage projects, working alongside best-in-class developers, suppliers, contractors, and financial institutions. Through greenfield origination and development partnerships, BW ESS has grown a pipeline of about 7GW across the UK, Australia, Italy, Germany and Sweden, and more than 2GWh of projects currently in construction.
As an active investor with development exposure, BW ESS has a strategy to hold assets for the long-term, taking a hands-on approach to unlock value throughout the energy storage asset lifecycle.
Part of BW Group, BW ESS is able to leverage decades of experience in energy infrastructure investment, delivery, and operation – and the scale and connections needed to move the needle in global energy storage.
You can read more about BW ESS here.
Key benefits of battery storage
Balancing Supply and Demand
Batteries allow for the efficient storage of surplus energy during low-demand periods and release it at peak times, managing grid congestion efficiently. This reduces the need for costly and disruptive network upgrades.
Enhancing Energy Security
Battery storage supports energy security and enables the addition of more renewable generation to our electricity system; thereby supporting lower emissions, lower costs and lower energy prices leaving current and future generations more prosperous.
Supporting Net Zero Ambitions
Battery storage is recognised as essential infrastructure by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Battery storage plays a critical role in creating a cleaner, greener energy future for the UK.
As the UK transitions to renewable energy, battery storage is a critical enabler of a sustainable and secure electricity system.
Detailed overview of the proposed site
Location
The site is located less than 100 meters from the Marchwood National Grid substation and occupies 6.9 acres (2.78 hectares). This location would enable efficient grid connection with minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
Employment Use Considerations
The site is allocated as an employment site within the New Forest District Council Local Plan Part One. Our planning application will include a comprehensive case to justify development of this site which sets out that the primary use is to provide a supporting service to businesses and to the workforce of the local area. The use of the site as a BESS facility would not have a significant detrimental impact on the operation of other businesses in the local area.
Landscaping
The site benefits from natural screening provided by established trees. We would enhance this existing coverage through additional landscaping, including the planting of new trees and native shrubs. All of these improvements will be detailed when the planning application is submitted.
The site is well contained within the wider industrial nature of the landscape. As the battery units are around 3m in height, they would be well shielded by existing and new vegetation surrounding the site.
The proposals would include mitigation during construction, where needed, to ensure no harm to flora or fauna, as well as Biodiversity Net Gain enhancements.
Accessibility
The site would be accessed off East Road in the Marchwood Industrial Park.
Construction is expected to take approximately 18 months with, on average, two deliveries per day. Once built the local traffic implications of the site are very low; typically, one or two van movements per week.
A Planning, Design and Access Statement, a Transport Assessment and a Construction Traffic Management Plan will be submitted with any planning application.
Operations
The BESS facility would operate through sophisticated remote monitoring systems, requiring only once or twice a week maintenance visits. This automated approach would ensure efficient operation with minimal local traffic and disruption.
Why this site?
Proximity to Substation
The Marchwood National Grid substation, a major grid supply point less than 100m from our site, offers immediate connection capacity for a BESS project of this scale.
Addressing Regional Needs
The South East of England represents a key area of energy demand, requiring robust infrastructure to maintain system resilience and security of supply. Locating energy storage within this high-demand region strengthens the electricity system's ability to meet peak demand periods effectively.
Site Selection
After a comprehensive site selection process of potential locations, this site was chosen for its minimal planning constraints and suitability for visual impact mitigation.
Integrated Ecological Design
Enhanced Biodiversity Design
Our project delivers substantial ecological improvements through the creation of diverse wildlife habitats. The scheme includes bird and bat boxes, beehives, ponds, and wildflower meadows, all designed to enhance the site's biodiversity value and support local wildlife populations.
Natural Site Screening
The site benefits from established trees and hedgerows that provide natural screening. This existing landscape framework will be strengthened through additional native tree planting, ensuring the facility integrates seamlessly with its surroundings.
Operational Excellence
Sophisticated remote monitoring systems ensure optimal performance through limited physical presence. The facility maintains noise levels comparable to household appliances, while monthly maintenance schedules maximise efficiency with minimal local impact. Situated within Flood Zone 1, the site benefits from a low risk of flooding, ensuring reliable operation.
Key Benefits of the Scheme
Enable Clean Energy Transition
- Deployment of 200MW/500MWh of energy. This is the equivalent to powering 1.3 million homes for 1 hour.
- Contribute towards energy security and the UK Government’s commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and New Forest District Council’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Enhance Biodiversity
- Delivers biodiversity net gains onsite with the planting of new trees and native shrubs.
Strengthen Energy Resilience of the UK
- Will enhance energy security and system resilience, ensuring there is sufficient capacity available to meet periods of peak electricity demand.
- Battery storage helps balance variable electricity demand with intermittent supply to enable the addition of more renewable generation to our energy system, supporting lower emissions, lower costs and lower energy prices.
Contribute to the Local Economy
- Payment of business rates to New Forest District Council over the lifetime of the project, providing valuable revenue to help the Council deliver vital public services.
- Provide a monetary contribution to a local community fund on a yearly basis (for the duration of the project lifespan).
Share Your Thoughts
We warmly invite your valuable feedback, views and suggestions for our project. BW ESS is a long-term project owner, and we value building good relationships with neighbours in the local communities around the site in Marchwood.
Please feel free to reach out to us:
• Complete the form below with your comments
• Call the consultation team: 020 7427 1433 or 07341 731188
• Email us: marchwoodbatteryplans@instinctif.com