Goodrest Farm BESS is a 70MW battery energy storage project located north of Goodrest Farm, Illey Lane, Hunnington, Halesowen (B62 0JL). The project received planning permission from Bromsgrove District Council in Q4 2025 (planning reference: 24/00960/FUL).
The project is being developed by Grenergy, a Spanish independent power producer (IPP) with a significant global energy storage portfolio. Construction is expected to begin in Q2 2027, with provisional operation scheduled for Q4 2027.
Project Overview
Project Name: Goodrest Farm BESS
Developer: Grenergy Renewables UK Ltd (part of Grenergy Renovables S.A.)
Capacity: 70MW / 29.22MW de-rated (for capacity market)
Location: Land North of Goodrest Farm, Illey Lane, Hunnington, Halesowen, B62 0JL
Status: ✅ Planning Approved (Q4 2025)
Planning Reference: 24/00960/FUL
Construction Start: Q2 2027
Provisional Operation: Q4 2027
Operational Lifespan: 30 years
Developer Background
Grenergy Renovables S.A. is a Spanish independent power producer (IPP) specialising in renewable energy and energy storage. The company has a significant global portfolio, with 72 GWh of energy storage in development and operations across Europe, North America, and Latin America.
Grenergy is known for flagship projects including the Oasis de Atacama solar-plus-storage project in Chile (with 3 GWh of storage from BYD) and the Greenbox standalone storage platform in Europe. Goodrest Farm BESS represents Grenergy's expansion into the UK battery storage market.
Project Significance
Grid Support: The BESS will support the local electricity distribution network by ensuring clean, cost-effective electricity supply to domestic, commercial, and industrial users.
Renewable Integration: As the UK transitions to renewables, Goodrest Farm BESS will store excess solar and wind energy for release during peak demand.
Carbon Savings: The project is estimated to save 1,380,000 tonnes of carbon over its lifetime.
Homes Powered: The facility can power approximately 233,000 homes per hour of discharge.
Biodiversity Net Gain: Grenergy is committed to delivering biodiversity improvements, including native species planting, hedgerow restoration, and woodland creation.
Community Benefit Fund: The project includes a community benefit fund to support local causes and organisations.
Project Context
The site is located within a Greenbelt area, and Grenergy has committed to delivering local benefits, including biodiversity net gain, a community benefit fund, and local employment opportunities. The company conducted a detailed site assessment evaluating proximity to the transmission system, potential impacts on residential and ecological sites, planning restrictions, topography, and ground conditions.
The project has a design life of 30 years, followed by a decommissioning period of approximately 6 months, during which the site will be returned to its previous agricultural use.
Fire Safety Measures
In line with National Fire Chiefs Council guidance, the project includes:
Engagement with local fire authority on emergency response plans
Separation distances between all equipment
Fire detection and prevention systems within all battery modules
On-site water supply for fire authority use
Multiple access routes for emergency vehicles
Related Links
Information compiled from Grenergy official website, Bromsgrove District Council planning documents, and UK Capacity Market data. Last updated: 7 April 2026.