Root-Power has obtained planning approval on appeal to construct a £45 million renewable energy storage facility in Leicestershire. The 100-megawatt (MW) facility will be located near Kegworth on the River Soar’s banks. It is designed to store surplus energy from low-carbon and renewable sources, releasing it back to the National Grid when needed.
The facility will connect to the local grid, aiding the transition from the coal-fired Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station to a clean energy hub. This supports the region’s decarbonisation and sustainable industrial growth. It will also address the energy needs of businesses and households during peak demand, reducing price volatility and preventing blackouts that disrupt communities and business operations.
Beyond its immediate energy role, the facility will create jobs during construction and support the government’s Clean Power 2030 (CP2030) reforms and long-term Net Zero ambitions. Root-Power is committed to achieving a high Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) of +71% at the site, significantly exceeding the national minimum of +10%. This will be achieved through enhancing wildlife habitats and increasing hedgerows by +82% with native species.
In collaboration with the Environment Agency and Lead Local Flood Authority, Root-Power addressed flood risk concerns by designing the facility to be elevated, allowing floodwater to pass underneath. The design includes a sunken storage tank for additional floodwater management.
Neil Brooks, managing director at Root-Power, expressed satisfaction with the planning appeal’s success, emphasising the facility’s benefits for local communities and its role in renewable energy supply. He highlighted the company’s commitment to biodiversity and flood risk management during the planning phase.
Root-Power, part of the YLEM Group, plays a crucial role in integrating renewable energy into the National Grid. The facility is expected to provide clean, flexible electricity for 15-20 years, safeguarding local power needs. For more information, visit Root-Power’s website.
