Stevenson Farm BESS

2026/04/18 Category：Farm BESS Projects View：93 Comments：0

Stevenson Farm BESS (also known as Nevendon Energy Storage System) is an operational battery energy storage facility located at Stevenson Farm, Southend Arterial Road, Nevendon, Wickford, Essex (SS14 3JH). The site is situated on agricultural land and has been successfully delivering grid balancing services since 2020.

The project has a 15MW capacity and was originally granted planning permission for a temporary period. In 2023, Basildon Council approved an extension of the temporary installation period to 25 years from the date of first import/export to the Grid, providing long-term operational certainty.

Project Overview

Project Name: Stevenson Farm BESS / Nevendon Energy Storage System
Capacity: 15MW
Location: Stevenson Farm, Southend Arterial Road, Nevendon, Wickford, Essex, SS14 3JH
Status: ✅ Operational (since 2020)
Planning Permission: 23/00079/FULL (granted 15 December 2023)
Operational Period: 25 years from first grid import/export
Battery Type: Lithium Ion

Capacity Market Participation

Stevenson Farm BESS has been an active participant in the UK Capacity Market since 2020, holding contracts across multiple delivery years:

2020-21 (T-4): Active capacity market component
2023-24 (T-4) and 2024-25 (T-1): Active contracts with estimated capacity of 2.59 MW per component

The facility is registered with the Electricity Capacity Register under National Grid ESO, demonstrating its role in ensuring UK grid reliability during peak demand periods.

2026 Expansion and Upgrade

In 2026, the operator submitted a variation application (26/00021/VAR) to replace and upgrade the existing operational BESS and its associated infrastructure. The application seeks to:

Replace existing BESS equipment with upgraded technology
Replace further infrastructure and equipment on site
Maintain and enhance the site's operational capacity

This upgrade demonstrates the ongoing commercial viability of the site and the continued need for grid-scale energy storage in the Essex region.

Project Significance

Early Mover: One of the earlier Farm BESS projects in the UK, operational since 2020
Long-term Commitment: 25-year operational period provides long-term grid stability
Capacity Market Revenue: Active CM contracts provide stable, long-term revenue foundation
Technology Upgrade: 2026 variation application demonstrates commitment to maintaining modern equipment
Land Use: Agricultural land repurposed for energy infrastructure with temporary planning consent

Planning History

2023: Original planning application (23/00079/FULL) granted for 15MW expansion and 25-year operational period
2026: Variation application (26/00021/VAR) submitted to upgrade existing BESS equipment

The site is located on agricultural land at Stevenson Farm, adjacent to the A127 Southend Arterial Road, providing good grid access and transport links.

Grid Location

The facility is situated in the SS14 postcode area of Essex, connecting into the local distribution network. Its location in the Southeast of England provides valuable grid balancing services to one of the UK's highest-demand regions.

Bess Farm