As the global push to decarbonise continues, the focus often falls on technological advancements—yet an equally pressing concern remains: where we deploy that technology. With battery energy storage systems (BESS) emerging as vital infrastructure for renewable integration, identifying optimal land for deployment is critical.
Brownfield Sites: A Vast, Underutilised Resource
In 2022, CPRE identified over 23,000 brownfield sites across England, covering more than 27,000 hectares. These previously developed lands, often overlooked, offer a strategic solution to support clean energy storage without consuming additional greenfield space.
The Role of Battery Energy Storage Systems
BESS facilities:
- Store excess energy from renewable sources like solar and wind
- Discharge energy when supply dips or demand spikes
- Help stabilise the grid and improve reliability
- Enable deeper integration of intermittent renewables
- Reduce reliance on fossil fuels
The International Energy Agency projects that global energy storage capacity must increase sixfold by 2030, with batteries making up 90% of that growth. Brownfield sites provide the land and infrastructure to meet this challenge sustainably.
What Defines a Brownfield Site?
Contrary to the common perception of brownfields as hazardous wastelands, many are:
- Vacant or derelict plots such as disused car parks, warehouses, or offices
- Locations with low environmental risk and existing grid access
- Sites that can be redeveloped more quickly and economically than greenfield land
Pulse Clean Energy’s Hyde BESS Project: A Case Study
Located in West Manchester, the Hyde BESS facility is a 42 MW / 100 MWh project situated on a historic brownfield site:
- Once a housing estate and later a scrap yard, the site had remained idle
- It is now being transformed to support grid stability and renewable energy integration
- Capable of powering ~227,000 homes for two hours during peak demand
The Benefits of Brownfield Redevelopment for Energy Storage
1. Environmental Remediation
- Cleans up contaminated land, restoring ecological balance
- Reduces long-term risks to groundwater, soil, and ecosystems
- Converts environmental liabilities into productive assets
2. Efficient Land Use
- Minimises pressure on greenfield and natural habitats
- Utilises existing urban or industrial land footprints
- Matches well with the scale of most BESS facilities (e.g., 0.5 hectares for 50 MW / 100 MWh)
3. Infrastructure Accessibility
- Often includes pre-existing electrical grid connections, roadways, and utilities
- Reduces cost, time, and environmental impact of new infrastructure development
4. Economic Revitalisation
- Creates local jobs through site remediation and construction
- Stimulates economic activity in historically industrial or underinvested communities
- Supports long-term employment in operations and maintenance
5. Community Benefits
- Lower visual impact compared to other energy infrastructure
- Stronger public support due to land improvement and clean energy goals
- Potential for direct community energy benefits via local partnerships and schemes
A Strategic Vision for the Future
As land becomes an increasingly scarce resource, brownfield redevelopment offers a pathway to:
- Advance clean energy infrastructure responsibly
- Revitalise neglected areas
- Build resilient, sustainable energy systems
At Pulse Clean Energy, our work on projects like Hyde BESS reflects a practical commitment to sustainability. By reclaiming the legacy of our industrial past and aligning it with the energy needs of the future, we can meet today’s challenges without compromising tomorrow’s resources.
For more insights into Pulse Clean Energy’s initiatives, visit pulsecleanenergy.com.