Gateway Energy Centre (Battery Energy Storage System), Thurrock

In 2020, DWD supported InterGen in obtaining consent from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy for a 320 MW battery energy storage project as part of their Gateway Energy Centre development on the banks of the River Thames in Essex.

In February 2022, InterGen secured a T-4 Capacity Market award for the battery energy storage project, which ensures the security of electricity supply for the UK.

The project is expected to have an initial capacity of 320 MW / 640 MWh, and has the potential to expand to 450 MW / 900 MWh.

When fully charged, the 320 MW battery energy storage project could supply approximately 161,000 homes per year, or fully charge up to approximately 10,000 electric vehicles. It will mostly be used to support and stabilise the electricity supply by providing fast-reacting power and system balancing.

DWD subsequently supported InterGen in obtaining full planning permission for a larger capacity (450MW) BESS. Following the removal of BESS projects from the national infrastructure planning regimes (under the Planning Act 2008 and Electricity Act 1989) through secondary legislation, the relevant consent route was full planning permission under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

DWD led the preparation of the planning application and engaged with the local planning authority, local consultees and landowner during the preparation and determination of the application. Full planning permission was granted via delegated authority subject to a section 106 agreement relating to off site ecological enhancements.

“DWD has been delighted to support InterGen in consenting this project, building on our extensive experience in consenting other technologies for the Gateway Energy Centre in this location. The location is highly suitable for the proposed development, and the project represents a major contribution to delivering a Net Zero electricity system by 2035.”