The scheme that could power over 16,000 homes

Thursday, 29 May 2025 11:47

By George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter

Rochdale Battery Energy Storage project is located on the land at Dig Gate Lane

A new battery storage facility just off the M62 will soon power over 16,000 homes.

Energy developer, Balance Power, has been granted approval for a site in Rochdale. The 30MW facility, off Dig Gate Lane, will help power approximately 16,225 homes and play a key role in strengthening grid stability.

Comprising 12 battery units with a total storage duration of two hours, the project is expected to cut CO₂ emissions by around 11,080 tonnes annually – the equivalent of taking approximately 7,950 cars off the road or planting 17,730 trees.

The proposal will support the UK’s transition to net zero by providing a boost of energy to the national grid when energy supplies from renewable sources dip – allowing them to be deployed at a greater pace and scale.

The battery storage site, close to Kingsway Business Park, is due to launch in 2028. At the end of its lifecycle, the facility will be decommissioned and the site will be fully restored to its original condition.

Lois Gale, Design Lead at Balance Power, said: “Securing planning approval for this project marks another important milestone in our mission to deliver cleaner and more flexible energy infrastructure across the UK.

“We’re thankful for the constructive dialogue we’ve had with residents and council members to help ensure our Rochdale facility will bolster national energy security while delivering meaningful environmental and economic benefits for the local community.

“We’re particularly pleased to be enhancing the area’s biodiversity as part of our work, ensuring that the natural environment will continue to thrive during and after the site’s use.”

Since 2017, Balance Power has been pioneering energy projects across the UK to support grid stability and achieve national decarbonisation targets.

It has successfully advanced 37 energy projects to planning consent, with over 2GW of projects in development.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Further arrests in Rochdale and Manchester as GMP intensifies crackdown on historic child sex abuse

Specialist investigation team arrests more suspects and secures major convictions as survivors of non-recent exploitation continue to come forward
Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.
Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver
Waugh presses government to ensure grooming inquiry tackles race and class ‘head on’

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh says national grooming inquiry must win survivors’ trust and 'follow the evidence wherever it leads’