Massive batteries could help to cut the risk of blackouts, according to a firm that wants to install them in Midsomer Norton.

Following a backlash against its approved plans for a new gas-burning power plant, Conrad Energy went back to the drawing board and hopes its new proposals will win public support.

It says energy storage can reduce the volatility in the national grid from the rise in weather-dependent technologies like solar and wind.

The plans for the vacant greenfield site say: “The proposed development will contribute to the National Grid and the local distribution grid’s increasing requirements for fast, flexible power, which provides electricity to the grid at times when demand rises above the generation from renewable and conventional power generating stations, and absorbs excess electricity when

demand is below the level of generation.”

The firm got the go-ahead for a standby gas power plant but “it is not Conrad Energy’s intention to implement it if they can secure planning permission for their battery energy storage proposals as a substitute”.

It said in its application: “In response to the local interest created by the previous proposals, Conrad Energy have taken the concerns of local people and Councillors on board and are now proposing an alternative technology on the site.

“Therefore, we anticipate Conrad’s new development proposals will be welcomed by the local community and adjacent occupiers.”

All comments submitted by local residents have been in support of the new plans, grateful for the company listening to them, with support from B&NES Council.

The application can be found at B&NES Council’s planning portal by searching the reference: 21/03281/FUL

Resident Abi Nimmo, commented: ‘I am in full support of this application. As the nearest resident and campaigner against the previous proposed gas fuelled power station, I am delighted that Conrad Energy/B&NES Council have listened to our objections and resubmitted this battery alternative.

“To have had the gas version would have been awful for our environment, wildlife and health of the local people, and would have sent our emissions (carbon and air pollution) up locally by a minimum of 20%.

“Of course I’d prefer a power station was not going to be built near my home, but I understand grid capacity is a big problem and this needs to be resolved, so to not have this power station at all would not be the answer.

“This would push the problem elsewhere onto someone else’s doorstep, something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

“All those in the know I’ve spoken to have confirmed Energy storage is the way forward and more likely to future proof the fossil fuel version, hence my support. Thank you to all those involved in steering this towards a significantly better direction.”

Conrad Energy said the batteries would be capable of powering 15,000 homes for up to two hours when demand is highest,

typically between 5 pm and 7.30 pm.

Its previous plans for a “peaking plant” were also designed to meet that demand. Bath and North East Somerset Council faced fierce criticism for approving the fossil fuel-burning development after it had declared a climate emergency.

It later entered negotiations with Conrad Energy to ask it to draw up alternative proposals. The battery energy storage facility will be emission free.

Midsomer Norton Town Council, which debated the previous plans at length, was unable to comment as the new application came in after the July planning meeting.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

B&NES Council will decide the fate of the new application, expected in early September.