Culham Storage, a 500MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Oxfordshire developed by Statera Energy, has been granted planning permission, marking a valuable step forward in strengthening Britain’s energy security.
Strategically located near National Grid’s Culham substation and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)’s Culham Campus, the project will support the decarbonisation of the UK’s electricity system. By efficiently balancing intermittent renewable generation, it will help the country meet its 2050 net zero target and ensure a more resilient, low-carbon energy supply.
Crucially, it will also deliver the essential power stability needed to underpin to Culham Campus, the UK's first AI Growth Zone. This support is fundamental to the campus’ ambition to become a world-leading hub for fusion research and innovation, directly driving regional growth, creating high-quality jobs, and advancing the UK’s clean energy and advanced technology goals.
The development will prioritise the local environment and community, setting aside 16 hectares for landscaping, including new woodland and grassland habitats. This will help restore a registered park and garden and is expected to deliver a substantial 62 percent biodiversity net gain.
Oliver Troup, Development Lead at Statera Energy, commented: 'This 500MW BESS at Culham will play an important role in helping the UK achieve its Clean Power 2030 targets. Its strategic placement and significant capacity will enable us to more effectively manage the intermittent nature of renewable energy, boosting local grid stability and national energy security. We will continue to work closely with our partners at UKAEA and NGET to deliver this essential project responsibly and effectively.'
Battery storage is central to the UK’s clean power strategy. According to the National Energy System Operator, the UK requires up to 27GW of battery capacity by 2030 to deliver secure, affordable electricity in a renewables-led system.
Today, Statera has over 2.1GW of UK projects operational or in construction, and over 16GW in development or consented. With £1 billion committed to date and up to £7 billion planned by 2030, it is strengthening UK energy security and supporting the low-carbon transition.
Source: Statera Enrgy
