Excess energy storage facility proposal at former airfield near Oswestry

Elmya Energy, a Sevillian infrastructure company that has operated in the UK for over 10 years, has targeted land east of Rednall Airfield.

A battery energy storage system (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 isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing.

This means homes and businesses can be powered consistently at all hours of the day, aiding in the replacement of fossil fuels and imported energy.

Elmya Energy, which has been working on the project with pan-European renewables company Renewable Power Capital, said the proposed site was carefully selected to minimise its environmental and community impact.

It added that it can play a vital role in both supporting Shropshire Council’s climate commitments to cut carbon emissions by 2030, as well as ensuring national energy security.

Anyone who wants to provide any feedback to the scheme can do so via a two-week consultation that launched on Tuesday (January 14).

James Innes, UK development director at Elmya, said: “The Rednal BESS project represents an essential step towards decarbonising the economy while ensuring greater energy security for the local community.

“We’re eager to hear from residents and businesses in West Felton and across Shropshire to ensure these proposals reflects their priorities and delivers tangible benefits for the region.”