Battery energy storage sites are not usually audible above ambient noise levels. A full noise assessment is currently being conducted for the site which will inform if any mitigation is required for the project design.

The battery enclosures are specifically engineered to guarantee secure operation throughout the project’s lifespan. Advanced safety measures, including continuous monitoring of individual battery cells, are in place to promptly address any potential concerns and manage operations for utmost safety.

BESS are designed to adhere to stringent safety standards established by international regulatory bodies like the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

These comprehensive standards encompass various facets of BESS, including installation, operation, and maintenance, to ensure their compliance with the highest safety protocols.

The BESS is a temporary development and will not change the land classification. When the batteries have been decommissioned, the planning consent will require the land to be restored to its previous purpose. This means the site remains classified as agricultural greenfield land and does not become previously developed ‘brownfield’ land in policy terms.

Once operational the BESS will have a low-impact presence with only the occasional operations and maintenance visits.

The only period with potential traffic impact is during the short-term temporary construction phase, which is estimated to take between 6 and 9 months.

Battery Energy Storage Systems support sustainability by:

1. Use and Reducing Waste: Storing extra solar and wind energy for later use, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

2. Cutting Carbon Emissions: Replacing fossil fuels during peak demand with stored renewable energy.

3. Stabilising the Grid: Balancing supply and demand quickly, improving grid reliability.

4. Avoiding Peaking Plants: Reducing the need for carbon-heavy backup power.