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."

Conrad Energy said the batteries would be capable of powering 15,000 homes for up to two hours when demand is highest, typically between 5pm and 7.30pm.

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.

The council will decide the fate of the new application.