Windel Energy and Recurrent Energy Propose 150 MW Battery Storage Project in England

Renewable energy developers Windel Energy and Recurrent Energy have submitted a planning application to Dorset Council to develop a 150-megawatt (MW) Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near Buckland Ripers, Weymouth.

The proposed Buckland Energy Storage Site would connect to the Chickerell substation via underground cables, providing critical infrastructure to strengthen the National Grid’s capacity for renewable energy integration.

This project, aligned with Dorset Council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency declaration, seeks to bolster the council's renewable energy goals while enhancing energy resilience locally and nationally. Jamie Knott, Managing Director at Windel Energy, highlighted the project’s benefits, noting its potential to "support local and national renewable energy generation, strengthen the resilience of the National Grid, and drive the transition to a more sustainable future."

If approved, Buckland BESS will store excess renewable energy—such as wind and solar—when supply exceeds demand, releasing it back into the grid during peak demand times. This flexibility will help reduce the National Grid’s reliance on fossil-fueled energy sources, ensuring a more consistent and green energy supply.

Harry Wilder, Head of Business Development UK at Recurrent Energy, emphasized the project’s transformative potential, stating, “This exciting project has the potential to significantly strengthen the National Grid and energy infrastructure in Dorset, supporting and facilitating the transition to renewable energy generation and a more sustainable future in the UK.”

Key benefits of the proposed Buckland BESS include:

• Enhanced Energy Resilience: Providing storage to manage excess electricity generation and stabilize energy supply.

• Renewable Energy Support: Enabling more efficient integration of renewable resources by storing intermittent generation.

• Carbon Reduction: Helping the National Grid reduce reliance on fossil fuels, supporting the UK’s transition to green energy.