The facility will support the UK’s transition to net zero by balancing the intermittent energy supply of renewable sources and allowing them to be deployed at a greater pace and scale.
Once operational, it 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 Rochdale BESS 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.
As part of its long-standing commitment to protecting and enhancing biodiversity, Balance Power has confirmed the development will deliver a 34.82% increase in habitat units and a 16.44% increase in hedgerow units across the surrounding land.
The battery storage site is due to be energised 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 decentralised energy projects across the UK, collaborating with landowners, communities, and councils 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. Balance Power continues to lead the transformation of the UK’s energy landscape.