Case Study: Battery Energy Storage Projects Across the UK

CalComms has supported the successful delivery of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects across several regions of the UK, achieving a 100% planning success rate with 9 out of 9 applications approved so far.

Working in areas including East Sussex, North Hertfordshire, South Staffordshire and Newcastle, our team provided strategic communications and stakeholder engagement to guide complex energy infrastructure projects through the planning process. Each scheme we have secured has helped to store renewable electricity when supply is high and release it during peak demand, strengthening grid resilience and supporting the UK’s transition to net zero.

Battery storage projects often raise concerns around issues such as fire safety, noise, visual impact and construction activity. To address this, CalComms developed structured stakeholder engagement strategies for each project, identifying and engaging early with local councillors, parish councils, residents and statutory consultees. This included face-to-face meetings with elected members, dedicated project websites, community communications and clear messaging frameworks to ensure stakeholders were informed and able to provide feedback.

By responding transparently to community concerns and working closely with technical experts, the engagement process helped refine project designs and build confidence among decision-makers. As a result, the portfolio of projects supported by CalComms secured planning approval, delivering more than 450MW of battery storage capacity and contributing to the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure across the UK.