THE JOURNAL was given special access to the new battery storage site in Salisbury last week.

The batteries arrived at the site - at the old Quidhampton Quarry - in October last year.

The 50MW site will be operational within the next few weeks and will be able to store energy when it is in abundance to be released to the National Grid at times of peak demand.

Installation took place over a three-week period and was carried out by King Lifting. The battery units were carefully lowered down onto the concrete foundations in four modular sections via crane.

Gary Henderson, SSE Renewables’ Communications Manager for Salisbury BESS, told the Journal: “Our Salisbury project is SSE Renewables’ first battery storage project and a hugely important step forward for us.”

“The Salisbury site is in a perfect location, based near the site of the old Quidhampton Quarry and adjacent to an SSEN sub station for ease of connection to the Grid.

“Battery storage systems like the one here in Salisbury will play an important role in helping the nation reach its net zero targets. As we build more and more renewable energy infrastructure, we need storage in place to harness the abundance of energy generated from solar and onshore and offshore wind.”

Gary added that the site means that energy generated by renewable technologies is not wasted, and that power can be released to the Grid at times of peak demand, even when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn’t shining.

He said: “Sustainability is at the forefront of the project and we are committed to ensuring there is biodiversity net gain at the site. We will be planting trees around the site perimeter as part of our planning commitments.

“We have engaged with the community throughout construction and have given several presentations to local councils.”

The company has also donated to local causes and will be donating £1,000 to Salisbury Hospice and £500 to the local youth project, The Bridge, to mark the site becoming fully operational in the coming weeks.