Project Overview
A645 BESS will play a vital role in supporting the stability and flexibility of the UK grid. By storing renewable electricity and providing rapid response balancing services, it will contribute to both local energy resilience and national Net Zero targets.
The project site has been carefully chosen and designed to integrate with the surrounding infrastructure and landscape. It lies between the railway line and the A645, adjacent to overhead electricity lines and benefitting from existing mature boundary vegetation. A robust landscape strategy will further enhance screening and ecological value.
PRE APPLICATION
Root-Power has allowed for future augmentation of the BESS capacity as further grid reinforcement works at Drax are implemented.
Planning progress and community engagement
During the planning process, the project team worked closely with statutory consultees to address noise and transport concerns:
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The site layout has been specifically designed to minimise noise impacts on nearby residential areas to the north.
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Access will be provided via existing entrances from Station Road, reducing the need for new infrastructure and minimising traffic disruption.
There are no outstanding statutory objections, and the project is progressing positively through determination.
- Capacity: 99MW
- Storage: 198MWh
- Homes Powered: 500,000
- Energisation Date: Mid-2027
Environmental and ecological benefits
The A645 BESS will deliver significant environmental enhancements:
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22.83% net gain in habitat units
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21.36% net gain in hedgerow units
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69.74% net gain in watercourse units
These gains are achieved through the delivery of new habitat creation, enhanced planting, and landscape features that will support local biodiversity and complement the site’s natural setting.
Existing mature trees and shrubbery, combined with new landscape planting, will ensure that the development has a minimal visual impact on its surroundings.
Grid connection and wider energy system benefits
A key strength of the A645 BESS is its direct connection to Camblesforth substation, which is supplied by nearby Drax Power Station, located approximately one mile away. Drax is the UK’s largest power station and a key component of the national electricity network.
As part of the project, Root-Power will contribute to major reinforcement and upgrade works at Drax, enhancing the grid’s ability to accommodate flexible storage and supporting the transition to a smarter, cleaner energy system.
Once operational, the A645 BESS will make a major contribution to network stability, resilience, and delivery of the UK’s Net Zero plans.
Future potential and scalability
The initial phase of the project will deploy twelve battery clusters, delivering a combined 99MW capacity. The site has also been designed with flexibility in mind — Root-Power has allowed for future augmentation of the BESS capacity as further grid reinforcement works at Drax are implemented.
This future-proofing ensures that the project can continue to play an evolving role in supporting a more sustainable and flexible UK energy system.