The huge batteries which store energy from solar and wind farms need to be better regulated as they become widespread, a councillor says. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) are attached to many of the renewable energy projects which could be approved across Lincolnshire.
They are size of shipping containers and contain lithium-ion batteries which store energy when it’s plentiful and release it to the grid when needed. However, campaigners and councillors are concerned over whether safety requirements are currently enough.
A fire at a BESS site in Liverpool in 2020 took 59 hours to extinguish after the battery overheated in a process called ‘thermal runaway’, although it’s the only known case in the UK. The government says BESSs are subject to a “robust regulatory framework” and is undertaking a review of their safety.
West Lindsey District Council – where many of Lincolnshire’s largest solar farms are proposed for – will debate whether clearer government regulation is needed at a meeting next week. Councillor Trevor Bridgwood (Con) is proposing a motion which will say: “This technology is fairly new, and development is very fast moving, so there is a lack of legislative control in place.”
He wants fire and rescue authorities to become much more involved in the planning process, as councils currently aren’t required to consult them before making a decision. “Currently there is no defined safety regulator [for Battery Energy Storage Systems],” he said.
His motion will call on Lincolnshire councils to lobby the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for more oversight. Campaign group 7000 Acres, which is fighting against major solar farms in West Lindsey, has also warned that BESSs bring ‘risk’ to local residents.
Simon Skelton said: “We’re concerned about all the battery systems, but particularly the ones on the largest solar farms. They will be in close proximity to where people live, and there is the potential for risk.
“BESSs aren’t new but we’ve not had lithium at this scale before. They’re the size of shipping containers. It’s also worrying the decision will be made by the Secretary of State for Energy, rather than the council, who will listen to local people.”
The 600 MW Cottam solar project was granted permission earlier this year, while ones at Gate Burton, West Burton, and Tillbridge are still in the pipeline for the district. Cllr Bridgwood’s motion will be debated at full council on Monday, November 4.
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