PLANS have been unveiled for a battery energy storage system on a green belt site near Cullingworth.

Amberside Energy Ltd is behind the scheme, proposed for land to the south-east of the village.

The 200-megawatts system would be connected to the electricity grid via an underground cable, linking up to Bradford West substation.

Stored energy would be released when demand was high, or renewable generation low.

According to the company, the project – known as Dobby Rocks – would "enhance grid resilience against outages and disruptions", with the capacity to store enough energy to power around 650,000 homes for two hours.

Public consultation has been launched, ahead of a planning application being submitted to Bradford Council later this year.

People can view the plans and comment at amberside.virtualconsultation.co.uk/dobbyrocksenergy

Also, an in-person event is being held at Cullingworth Village Hall on Wednesday, August 7, between 3pm and 7pm, where people can view the proposals and provide feedback.

The consultation period runs until August 23.

Marc Scambler, chief executive officer of Amberside Energy, says: "We are delighted to bring forward our proposals for Dobby Rocks.

"Ahead of our planning submission to Bradford Council later this year, it’s important that we hear from as many local people as possible about our proposals. Ultimately, this will enable us to shape the plans further, and to align them with the community’s feedback.

"Battery energy storage systems are set to play a crucial role in the transition towards a low-carbon economy.

"Our plans will make net zero targets more achievable, both at a local and national level, and will ultimately enhance grid resilience against outages and disruptions – as well as providing a cheaper electricity system for the country as a whole."

He said the 20-acre site earmarked for the scheme had previously been excavated as a quarry, with some areas restored to pasture for grazing livestock.

"The layout of the site and the route of the grid connection have been designed – where possible – to protect walking routes and local views and to avoid disruption to the community," he added.

"We are developing a landscaping approach that includes enhancing and improving the biodiversity of the area and are committed to delivering a biodiversity increase in excess of 10 per cent at the end of the project."