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.

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