We are pleased to announce that we have secured planning permission for our proposed Sandford Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Somerset, marking another important milestone in our growing portfolio of renewable energy infrastructure and reinforcing our commitment to delivering a more secure, flexible and low-carbon electricity system.

Our 100MW battery storage project, located adjacent to the existing National Grid substation at Sandford, has been carefully designed to make use of existing grid infrastructure while minimising impacts on the surrounding landscape. Once operational, the project will be capable of supplying enough electricity to power the equivalent of up to 100,000 homes during each four-hour discharge cycle, while avoiding around 25,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions compared with equivalent gas-fired generation over the same period. The scheme will also deliver biodiversity enhancements, new landscaping and local community benefits alongside significant business rate contributions.

Following the grant of planning permission, we will continue working with National Grid to bring forward the project's grid connection through the ongoing electricity network reforms, helping to ensure the scheme can play an important role in supporting Britain's transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy system.

Planning consent comes at an important time for Aura Power as we continue our transition from a renewable energy developer to an Independent Power Producer (IPP), following the energisation of our first wholly owned operational solar asset. As part of this next phase of growth, we are targeting the delivery of 1GW of ready-to-build (RTB) solar and battery storage projects across the UK by 2028, combining long-term ownership with the continued development of high-quality renewable energy infrastructure.

Founded in Bristol in 2013, we have spent more than thirteen years helping to shape the UK's renewable energy sector. We have been at the forefront of battery storage since developing one of the UK's first Enhanced Frequency Response battery projects and have delivered landmark schemes, including the award-winning Feeder Road Battery Storage project in Bristol. Today, we develop utility-scale solar farms and battery energy storage systems across the UK and Europe.

Peter Thomas, UK Head of Development at Aura Power, said:

"Securing planning permission for Sandford is another significant milestone for Aura Power and reflects the hard work of our team, our consultants and everyone who has engaged with the project throughout the planning process.

Battery storage is now a fundamental part of the UK's energy infrastructure. As more renewable generation connects to the grid, flexible technologies like Sandford will help balance supply and demand, strengthen energy security and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

As Aura Power enters its next chapter as an Independent Power Producer, we're focused on delivering projects that are not only technically and commercially robust, but are thoughtfully designed, support local communities and leave the natural environment in a better state than we found it. Sandford is an excellent example of that approach, and we look forward to working with National Grid and our stakeholders to bring the project forward."

Sandford forms part of our expanding UK pipeline of solar and battery storage projects, supporting the UK's ambitions to build a more secure, affordable and homegrown clean energy system. By combining renewable generation with flexible battery storage, projects such as Sandford will help accommodate increasing volumes of intermittent renewable electricity while maintaining a stable and reliable grid for homes and businesses across the country