​Plans for a new battery storage site on the outskirts of Bradford city centre have been approved, paving the way for a facility designed to support renewable energy use.

The development, to be built on vacant land between Valley Road and the railway line leading to Bradford Forster Square, will include 36 battery storage units and 18 power conversion system units. The site will store surplus energy generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar, releasing it when demand is high.

Bradford Council's planning officers approved the application, stating that while the development would have an industrial character, it would not be out of place in the mixed-use area. The land is currently undeveloped and affected by Japanese Knotweed.

Battery storage sites are increasingly seen as essential in balancing energy supply and demand. Wind and solar power are dependent on weather conditions, meaning output can be unpredictable. Facilities such as the one planned for Bradford help to stabilise the grid by storing energy when generation exceeds demand and releasing it when required.

The new site will be in operation for 40 years, contributing to the region's energy infrastructure. The approval comes amid growing investment in battery storage across the UK, as the country seeks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and transition towards a more sustainable energy network.

While some industrial developments can raise concerns about their impact on urban areas, the council determined that the project aligns with the surrounding environment. The use of an unused site also helps prevent disruption to other areas.

Battery storage technology is expected to play a key role in the future of energy supply, offering a more consistent and reliable source of power as the UK moves towards net zero targets.