A site layout for the BESS project.

 Solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) developer Renewable Connections is celebrating a major win as its latest consented energy project brings it over the 1GW mark.

Yesterday (10 February), Renewable Connections received planning consent for a new BESS project, the 90MW Drove Battery Energy Storage System in Somerset, bringing the company over 1GW of consented projects. The Drove project, set to be located on 1.7 acres of land near Bridgwater, has been in the planning system since late 2023, and the approval of the project marks the 24th consent that the firm has received since 2021.

Michael Hughes, managing director at Renewable Connections said: “We are delighted to have reached the momentous milestone of securing over 1GW of consented renewable energy projects. This achievement comes just five years since our company was established and is an exceptional and fitting way to celebrate this anniversary. I am proud of our talented team and project partners who are committed to securing a net zero future for the UK.”

Renewable Connections on the rise

Last year saw a significant number of successes for Renewable Connections, with a large volume of planning approvals for solar and BESS projects being granted for the company. In July 2024, South Staffordshire Council granted consent to a 22.5MW solar plant, the Deepmore Solar Farm, which is set to begin construction later this year.

This project will deliver a community benefit fund of £45,000, which will be used to benefit the Brewood and Coven Parish Council, the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, and another unnamed local charity. Just a month later, authorities granted planning permission for a 30MW/60MWh BESS in North Lanarkshire in Scotland, with plans to begin construction as soon as 2026.

In September 2024, Renewable Connections secured planning approval for the 22.5MW Old Hall Solar Farm, located near Ragdale, Leicestershire, for a 40-year operational lifespan. This project notably will make use of bi-facial solar panels in order to capture more sunlight and generate as much as 30% more electricity than traditional monofacial setups.

The company also explored the potential of co-located solar and storage setups in 2024 – in late April, North East Lincolnshire Council granted Renewable Connections full planning permission for the Bradley Road Solar Farm, which will be made up of a 43.7MW solar PV power plant and 10MW BESS setup.