The Bolney Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a key part of the UK’s transition to a more secure, flexible, and decarbonised energy system.
Located near Wineham in West Sussex, this 148.8 MW, 4-hour duration energy storage site will help stabilise the national grid by storing and discharging clean electricity when it’s most needed. The site received planning consent from Mid Sussex District Council in 2024 and is scheduled to be operational in 2027.
Bolney BESS is now owned and being developed by Elements Green, a UK-based renewable energy company with over 14,000 MW in global development.
Here’s where we will post updates on communications and construction site activity information.
Elements Green has completed the acquisition of the Bolney Green Energy Hub, a 148.8 MW / 4-hour duration battery energy storage project located near Wineham, West Sussex.
The project was granted planning consent in 2024 and is scheduled to begin construction in 2026. As the new owner, Elements Green will lead the development through to delivery and operation, supporting the UK’s flexible, low-carbon energy infrastructure.
Approved: 2024
Capacity: 148.8 MW | 4-hour duration
Location: Adjacent to National Grid’s Bolney Substation, near Wineham, West Sussex
Lifespan: 30 years (cited in Jan 2026)
Timeline: Planning consent was granted in September 2024.
Construction work is expected to begin in Q3 2026, with the Bolney BESS scheduled to be operational in Q4 2027.
Jobs Created: We expect the project to support job creation during construction and ongoing operational roles.
Partnerships & Delivery: Elements Green is progressing the Bolney BESS through to delivery as the new project owner. At this stage, specific design and construction partnerships will be confirmed and shared on this page when contracts are signed.
Biodiversity Net Gain: The Bolney BESS scheme includes biodiversity enhancements to improve the site’s ecological value beyond existing conditions. The project includes landscape and biodiversity measures designed to enhance habitat and support wildlife as part of the overall development.
National Significance: Bolney BESS forms part of the UK’s growing portfolio of grid‑scale battery energy storage projects that support energy system resilience and help manage the increasing output from renewable sources. By storing electricity when generation is high and releasing it when demand is strong, the project contributes to a more reliable and lower‑carbon energy supply for the region.
Future‑Focused: Battery energy storage is now widely recognised as a key component of the UK’s energy transition. Projects like Bolney BESS provide flexibility services that help the grid adapt to more renewable power, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support long‑term net‑zero goals.
The Bolney BESS project has progressed through careful planning, technical assessment, and public engagement. The timeline below highlights key milestones from initial planning to construction and future operation.
As the project moves into delivery, we remain committed to keeping the local community informed and engaged at each stage.
A BESS stores electricity like a large rechargeable battery, helping to balance the grid by storing intermittent renewable energy for use when consumer demand is high.
The Bolney BESS site was selected because it is adjacent to the Bolney National Grid Substation, which is one of the key regional connection points in the Southeast. Being close to this existing substation means the project can be efficiently connected into the electricity network without requiring extensive new grid infrastructure. This proximity supports the viability of a large‑scale storage facility and helps deliver the flexibility services needed to balance renewable generation and demand. The location also falls on land that was most recently in rural/agricultural use, helping to minimise additional disruption from development.
Bolney Green Energy Hub has a capacity of 148.8 MW. This means it can store and deliver electricity over a sustained period when needed.
We will continue to update this as the project continues.
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We are committed to handling your personal information in accordance with GDPR and our Privacy Policy: www.elementsgreen/privacy-policy, ensuring it is securely stored and used responsibly.
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