Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 14, Clearstone Energy, a UK-based developer, has gained approval for two battery energy storage systems (BESS) with a combined capacity of 700MW. The projects, located in Suffolk and Sussex, mark a significant step in expanding the UK’s energy storage infrastructure.
The Bramford Storage project in Suffolk, with a capacity of 300MW / 600MWh, received approval from Mid Suffolk District Council. Meanwhile, the Great Oak Energy Hub in Sussex, rated at 400MW / 800MWh, was greenlit by Horsham District Council after a Section 106 agreement was signed to ensure landscaping and habitat protection. Both projects underwent community consultations and faced no objections from statutory bodies or local fire and rescue services.
These approvals, announced in early 2025, position Clearstone Energy to support the UK’s growing need for reliable energy storage. The company highlighted that both sites are on track for near-term activation, aligning with national goals to increase BESS capacity by 2030 and 2035. The projects add to Clearstone’s portfolio, which now includes 1.1GW / 2.2GWh of ready-to-build storage initiatives across the UK.
In November 2024, Clearstone transferred a 200MW / 800MWh BESS project near Hartlepool to Field Energy. Earlier, in January 2025, the company expanded its operations to Italy, aiming to develop a 1GW BESS pipeline over the next two years. These moves reflect Clearstone’s commitment to advancing energy storage solutions in multiple markets.
Rob Garratt, Clearstone Energy’s head of development, expressed enthusiasm about the approvals: “We are thrilled to receive planning consent for these projects and want to thank both councils for their engagement and recognising the efforts of our development team to bring forward two really high-quality proposals. These projects are ready to build and conversations with National Grid about grid connections are already well progressed. We look forward to working with National Grid and the National Energy System Operator to find ways of bringing forward connection dates in support of Clean Power 2030.”
The Bramford and Great Oak projects are designed to enhance grid stability and support the integration of renewable energy. With discussions underway to secure grid connections, Clearstone is focused on accelerating timelines to meet the UK’s clean energy objectives. The approvals underscore the role of energy storage in ensuring a sustainable and resilient power system, contributing to broader efforts to balance supply and demand efficiently.
These developments highlight the UK’s ongoing transition toward cleaner energy solutions. By increasing storage capacity, Clearstone’s projects will help store excess renewable energy and release it when needed, supporting both local communities and national energy goals. The company’s progress reflects a collaborative approach, engaging stakeholders to deliver infrastructure that meets modern energy demands.
