GROUND breaking has taken place to mark the start of work on a controversial battery energy storage system (BESS) near Williton.

Conrad Energy is creating the 15MW BESS project on a one-acre plot next to an existing gas distribution site off Smithyard Lane.

When operational, the 10 battery storage units will support power transition by providing energy storage and frequency support at both a local and national level.

The project also marks the start of a partnership between Conrad Energy and Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO) Aurora, which will connect the site to the National Grid network.

Conrad Energy will also be working on the project with partners Tesla Batteries, Sinewave, Hayward Utility Services Ltd, and EPS Construction.

A spokesperson said: “The BESS system being installed will contribute to solving the problem of matching intermittent renewable energy supply with varying grid demand and provide essential ancillary services such as dynamic containment, dynamic regulation, and dynamic moderation.

“With construction set to be completed by the summer of 2027, the site will make a substantial contribution to grid stability and to Somerset’s transition to become a carbon-neutral county by 2030.”

Conrad Energy senior project manager Mike Denman said: “We are delighted to be breaking ground on this important site.

“BESS, and other energy storage, will play a vital role in advancing the energy transition, ensuring we have the energy we need when renewables are not generating, and also ensuring energy does not go to waste when demand is low.

“Now that spades are in the ground, we can look forward to more positive progress on the project and to have the site in operation by the close of 2027.”

Conrad Energy is one of the UK’s fastest-growing independent power producers with more than 80 sites across the country generating, buying, and selling energy to the grid and business customers.