North Yorkshire Battery Storage Park Plans Face Criticism

Proposals for a 58-acre battery energy storage facility situated on green belt land within North Yorkshire have drawn criticism from campaigners. Green energy firm NatPower presented these plans for a location near Thirsk. The overall 173-acre site would also feature a nature reserve established on its remaining two-thirds. According to the company, this facility, projected to be among the largest of its type in the UK, possesses the capacity to supply power to as many as 3.9 million residences for periods of up to four hours. Nevertheless, the group Thirsk Against Battery Storage (TABS) expressed apprehension regarding the appropriateness of the suggested site and advocated for the facility’s construction on brownfield land instead. Designated as a gigapark, the installation is designed to store energy generated from renewable sources, such as solar and wind, and then distribute it during peak demand periods. A promotional video accompanying the proposals illustrates an outdoor education center, a picnic area, and fountains planned for the location. Philip Martin, a resident of South Kilvington and a co-founder of TABS, stated that the proposals amounted to the “Disneyfication of the countryside”. He further commented, “You don’t need to wait for NatPower to cover 58 acres in concrete and industry and then come and enjoy it. They are taking a lot away and giving a little back.” Nnenna Hemeson, NatPower’s global marketing director, indicated that the company evaluated 31 million land parcels across the UK in its search for suitable locations for a battery energy storage park. She explained that the Thirsk site was selected partly because its soil was not considered the “best and most versatile” for agricultural use. Ms. Hemeson also mentioned that brownfield and industrial sites were prioritized, but a more appropriate location ultimately proved elusive. Furthermore, Ms. Hemeson stated that establishing a nature reserve on the premises would result in a “100% biodiversity gain.” She elaborated, “What this means is we are going to leave the land better than where we found it.” Construction is anticipated to commence in “late 2026,” provided planning permission is secured, she confirmed. Ms. Hemeson projected a two-year construction timeline for the site. Gareth Dadd, who serves Thirsk on North Yorkshire Council, conveyed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, “If it comes to fruition in the hinterland of rural North Yorkshire I will take a lot of convincing that the candy is worth the gain.”