Battery energy storage plan at foot of Scout Moor prompts fire fears
Plans to build a battery energy storage facility around a mile from Scout Moor wind farm in the Rossendale hills have been submitted.
The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), if approved, would be built on the corner of Rochdale Road and Bamford Road, near Ramsbottom.
The application, submitted by London firm Cubico UK Development Ltd, would see the BESS and associated infrastructure created on the six-hectare site, plus security measures, drainage, landscaping and a connecting cable to Croston Close Road substation 500 metres away.
However, one objection has already been received, raising concerns over fire risk involving lithium ion batteries.
Documents submitted with the plans read:
The proposed scheme comprises a series of battery containers and associated equipment including inverters, transformers, a control room and storage container.
“The batteries will be housed within secure containers, which will be no more than three metres in height, and all equipment will be enclosed by a boundary fence.It will have an installed capacity of up to 85MW and will supply electricity to the National Grid during times of peak energy demand, supporting other low-carbon and renewable projects, aimed to help ensure the UK meets its Net Zero targets.
The site is less than a mile from Scout Moor (Image: Heather Ryder) “The provision of greater levels of renewable and local carbon energy infrastructure is, however, required to be supported by facilities for energy storage.
“Battery storage facilities are an essential component in meeting climate change objectives, reducing the costs of electricity and increasing levels of national energy security.By absorbing extra energy, storing it, and releasing it onto the network when the grid needs it during periods of peak demand, the construction of battery storage facilities enables the local grid network to run more effectively.Battery storage facilities also play a fundamental role in decentralising the grid system, enabling power to be generated and stored in specific localised areas where it is required.
“The proposed BESS will also save circa 53,481 tonnes of CO2 each year, equivalent to taking 28,444 cars off the road.
“The surrounding area comprises predominantly open agricultural land and moorland with scattered farmsteads.
“To the north and east, the land rises steeply towards the ridges of Scout Moor and Knowl Moor, which are lined with wind turbines.
“The site represents a highly suitable location for the development of a BESS, just 4.3km from the centre of Scout Moor Wind Farm and in very close proximity to the confirmed point of connection to the electricity grid.”
Objecting to the plans, Alan Billingsley shared a letter from the fire service in West Yorkshire about the difficulties of fighting lithium battery fires, and the knock-on effects it may have on surrounding areas.
A fire prevention plan submitted with the application details certified standards of technology, regular maintenance and a management system will help reduce risk of fire from thermal runaway.
Venting will be installed to remove flammable gas from the containers, along with a blast clearance zone to minimise risk of injury or damage if a gas explosion were to occur.
It adds extinguishing and management systems will be installed in the containers to reduce fire size, and the containers sited at suitable distances apart to prevent fire spreading.
Comments on the application can be made by visiting the planning section of the Rossendale Council website.
READ the latest Batteries News shaping the battery market
Battery energy storage plan at foot of Scout Moor prompts fire fears, source
