North Somerset Council has granted planning permission for Aura Power's proposed 100 megawatt battery energy storage system at Sandford, Somerset, marking what the Bristol-based developer describes as a significant milestone in its transition from renewable energy developer to Independent Power Producer.

Project Location and Design

The Sandford Battery Energy Storage System has been sited adjacent to the existing National Grid substation at Sandford, a decision Aura Power says was made deliberately to take advantage of existing grid infrastructure while limiting the project's visual impact on the surrounding landscape.

The company states the scheme has been carefully designed to minimise effects on the local environment and will incorporate biodiversity enhancements, new landscaping and local community benefits alongside business rate contributions to the area.

Capacity and Environmental Claims

Once operational, the 100 MW facility will be capable of supplying enough electricity to power the equivalent of up to 100,000 homes during each four-hour discharge cycle.

Aura Power states the project will avoid approximately 25,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions compared with equivalent gas-fired generation over the same discharge period.

The company positions the project as part of a broader effort to reduce the United Kingdom's reliance on fossil fuels as more intermittent renewable generation connects to the national grid.

Grid Connection Process

Despite securing planning consent, the project still requires progression through the grid connection process. Aura Power confirmed it will continue working with National Grid to bring forward the project's grid connection through ongoing electricity network reforms. The company did not specify a timeline for when the grid connection process is expected to conclude or when construction might begin.

Comment from Aura Power

Peter Thomas, UK Head of Development at Aura Power, said the permission reflects the hard work of the company's team, its consultants and all those who engaged with the project during the planning process.

Thomas described battery storage as a fundamental part of the UK's energy infrastructure, stating that flexible technologies such as the Sandford project will help balance supply and demand, strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels as more renewable generation is added to the grid.

Thomas added that as Aura Power enters its next phase as an Independent Power Producer, the company is focused on delivering projects that are technically and commercially robust while also being thoughtfully designed, supportive of local communities and leaving the natural environment in an improved condition.

Company's Broader Growth Strategy

The planning approval comes as Aura Power pursues what it describes as a transition from developer to Independent Power Producer, a shift the company says followed the energisation of its first wholly owned operational solar asset.

As part of this next phase of growth, the company is targeting the delivery of one gigawatt of ready-to-build solar and battery storage projects across the United Kingdom by 2028, combining long-term ownership with continued development of renewable energy infrastructure.

Sandford forms part of Aura Power's expanding UK pipeline of solar and battery storage projects. The company has recently secured separate project finance for the construction of Preston Hill Solar Farm in Staffordshire and received unanimous approval from Cotswold District Council for its 25MW Furzen Leaze Solar Farm near Cirencester.

Company Background

Founded in Bristol in 2013, Aura Power has operated in the UK renewable energy sector for more than thirteen years. The company states it has been involved in battery storage development since working on one of the UK's first Enhanced Frequency Response battery projects.

It also delivered the Feeder Road Battery Storage project in Bristol, which the company describes as award-winning. Aura Power currently develops utility-scale solar farms and battery energy storage systems across the UK and Europe, and is headquartered at 30 Queen Square in Bristol.

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