Solar battery storage plans rejected over safety and environmental concerns
Today (7 December 2024), the BBC reported that York City Council rejected plans for a solar battery storage facility on farmland due to fire safety concerns. Proposed by Net Zero Fourteen Ltd, the facility was designed to store excess energy for supporting climate goals but faced objections over its location on greenbelt land, access limitations, and other issues such as traffic, noise, water contamination, and potential harm to the greenbelt.
Despite arguments in favour of its environmental benefits, the council ultimately decided that the safety and layout concerns outweighed the potential advantages.The facility would have included 104 battery units, transformers, and a water tank.
What is solar battery storage? (BESS)
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) store energy generated by renewables, like solar and wind, and release it when demand is highest. These systems help balance electricity grids and ensure a steady supply of renewable energy. Lithium-ion batteries, widely used in devices like phones and electric cars, are the leading technology for large-scale energy storage due to their efficiency and reliability.
What are the concerns about BESS?
BESS using lithium-ion technology comes with safety concerns, particularly the risk of thermal runaway. This happens when an overheating cell triggers a chain reaction in nearby cells, releasing toxic and highly flammable gases like hydrogen and methane. These gases can lead to explosions or fires that are extremely hard to control.
Will BESS be used as part of the Kingsway Solar Farm?
Yes. By adding BESS, it allows Kingsway to provide essential grid stabilization services while maximizing solar energy use. The system will store surplus solar energy during low demand and release it when energy is needed most, enhancing efficiency and supporting both local and national grid networks.
A 500 MW solar farm typically requires a BESS of around 200–400 MW. However, the exact amount of BESS needed can vary depending on the project. That’s huge! .
Please ask about BESS when responding to Kingsway about the solar farm. Your opinion matters!
For further guidance go to our ‘feedback guidance page’ here.
Remember, the deadline for submitting your response to Kingsway is 12th December.