In the acronym-heavy realm of renewable energy, battery energy storage systems (BESS) have gained significant attention in the UK recently, especially in the context of the government’s net zero strategy.
Why is BESS Important to the UK’s Net Zero Strategy?
BESS has come to prominence as it forms an integral part of the current UK government’s net zero strategy, which requires electrical energy to be generated via “clean energy industries.”
The main drawback with renewables is that they generate electricity intermittently rather than on demand. Accordingly, electrical energy generated by them needs to be either stored in a BESS or not generated at all. The use of BESS helps balance the UK’s electrical grid at both a local and national level and. by doing so. improves the stability and efficiency of the system.
How are Battery Energy Storage Systems Being Rolled Out?
Currently there are not enough BESS facilities installed, and increasing their number is a key government priority. The extent of the work required to do so is considerable, as can be seen by looking at the Health and Safety Executive guidance on Grid-scale battery energy storage systems.
New Code of Practice for BESS and Land Rights
The importance placed on BESS and its associated infrastructure can be ascertained in the publication of the “Rights over land for electricity infrastructure – Code of Practice” in May 2025. This Code is supported by RICS, the Energy Networks Association, and the Central Association for Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).
The Code is voluntary and is intended to be a best practice guide for landowners and the operators of electrical infrastructure when reaching agreements for installation and operation. According to RICS, the Code seeks to “encourage behaviours that seek to balance the rights and interests” of landowners and electrical infrastructure operators.
Highlights of the Code include:
- The expectation that if parties agree to follow the Code that they will do so, and failure can result in a complaint using the process set out in the Code.
- Given that operators of electrical infrastructure enjoy rights under the Electricity Act 1989, valuation of those rights should follow the RICS professional standard “Surveyors advising in respect of compulsory purchase and statutory compensation”, UK, 2nd Edition, whether or not the professional advisors are RICS-qualified.
- Operators of electrical infrastructure are expected to pay the reasonable professional costs of the landowners.
- Parties should seek to reach agreement between themselves before seeking to use their statutory rights.
The intention is to review the Code in the summer of 2026 following a trial period, and parties are encouraged to feed back to CAAV on how the Code could be improved.
Looking Ahead
As a result of the net-zero strategy and a recent increase in planning applications, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are expected to become a common sight around the UK over the coming years, as the country continues its push toward a clean energy future.
