Enable Design completes landmark Halewick Lane BESS design in West Sussex

The project was developed through RIBA Stages 2-4 and brought together a full multi-discipline design scope across civil, electrical, BESS, and SCADA.

On the civil side, the design covered 3D design, site layout, foundations, drainage, an HGV ring road, lifting assessments, swept path analysis and construction support.

The electrical package included 33kV GIS switchgear, transformers, single line diagrams and cabling, while the BESS scope covered CATL EMS/BMS integration and grid code compliance. The controls element was built around ABB site-wide SCADA, remote monitoring and cybersecurity.

The detailed package also addressed the practical demands of the site. It included a two-level site layout with retaining walls, reinforced concrete foundations, drainage designed for storm events with climate change allowance, fire suppression coordination and a 33kV buried cable route.

Halewick Lane also shows the value of Enable Design’s wider HV capability. The case study makes clear that Enable Design can provide a single design partner for both the battery system and the HV grid connection, helping to reduce interfaces and risk for clients.

Enable Design acted as Principal Designer, providing a single point of accountability from design through to handover, working closely with the Principal Contractor and sister company, Enable Infrastructure.

The project also included planning and consent coordination with the South Downs National Park Authority, including S73 Minor Material Amendment management, and the case study records an estimated ~7 tonne carbon saving (CO2e) through sustainable design practices and the use of a carbon calculator.

As the UK battery storage market continues to grow, Halewick Lane stands as a clear example of Enable Design’s ability to deliver coordinated BESS design with technical depth across civils, electrical systems, controls and grid connection.