Renewable energy company Grenergy has submitted plans to Wiltshire Council to develop the UK’s largest Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near Corsham. The proposed Brockleaze facility boasts a staggering 450MW capacity, more than four times larger than the current record-holder, Lakeside Energy Park in Drax, North Yorkshire, which stands at 100MW.
Battery Energy Storage Systems play a critical role in balancing the grid by storing surplus energy generated from solar farms and wind turbines, then releasing it during periods of high demand. Grenergy estimates that Brockleaze could supply enough power to electrify one million homes for an hour—a figure exceeding five times the number of households in Wiltshire.
The site, covering 14 acres at Neston Park Estate—a location famously featured in the BBC adaptation of Lark Rise to Candleford—will be strategically positioned away from local homes and businesses. While the facility is planned to sit half a mile from the village of Neston, some residents have expressed concerns about potential visual, noise, and safety impacts. One local highlighted that the noise from cooling fans and the installation’s presence could affect not only nearby households but also others in surrounding villages.
READ MORE: Somerset Funeral Notices: Heartfelt Tributes to 25 Cherished Loved Ones
READ MORE: Teacher Turned Curate Begins New Ministry in Peasedown After Inspiring Journey of Faith
Should the project gain planning approval, construction is expected to commence in 2025, with operations beginning by the end of 2027. The development will include 108 large battery containers, an electricity substation, 2.4-meter security fencing, lighting, CCTV towers up to 4.3 meters tall, acoustic barriers reaching 3 meters in height, and a 7-meter-tall switchgear building.
Public consultations earlier this year gathered feedback from 133 residents, reflecting concerns about the visual impact, noise pollution, and particularly fire risks linked to lithium-ion battery technology. Comments ranged from worries about safety and fire hazards to the potential release of toxic fumes and contaminated water in the event of an incident.
Data on BESS fires remains limited, with no comprehensive public record available. However, recent incidents at storage facilities in Liverpool, Essex, and Cirencester—where forty firefighters responded to a blaze caused by a “thermal runaway” event—underscore the need for vigilant safety measures. Thermal runaway occurs when excessive heat in a lithium-ion cell escalates uncontrollably, sometimes triggering fires.
In response, Grenergy has emphasized rigorous health and safety protocols. The company assured that Brockleaze’s design complies with or exceeds all safety guidelines and has been optimized to mitigate potential risks. A detailed Fire Strategy Plan will accompany the planning application, outlining emergency response measures in collaboration with the Fire Service. According to Grenergy, there is no expected health risk from the facility during normal operations.
Residents and interested parties are invited to submit their comments to Wiltshire Council by August 28, referencing application number PL/2025/05552. This project marks a significant step forward in the UK’s journey toward a more resilient and sustainable energy future.