Frequently Asked Questions

Energy storage is a vital technology that will help the UK Government achieve its goals outlined in the “British Energy Security Strategy” published in April 2022. This strategy aims to shift from fossil fuels to a more environmentally friendly system.

The Scottish Energy and Climate Change Directorate has similarly highlighted the importance of battery storage to Scotland specifically, in its Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan (January 2023).

Energy storage plays a key role in making renewable energy sources more reliable and efficient, especially as we transition to smaller, intermittent power generations systems.

Battery energy storage sites typically do not create sounds louder than the natural background noise. A thorough noise evaluation is being completed for this site. To further reduce any potential noise, the project plan

will include various noise mitigation measures, including the possibility of acoustic fencing and green borders, such as native tree or hedge planting.

The BESS is a temporary development and will not change the land classification. When the BESS has been decommissioned, the consent will require the land to be restored to its previous purpose as agricultural land.

Temporary development consent ensures that the land will not be classed as ‘brownfield’ after decommissioning.

The Lithium-Ion batteries that will

be used in the project are not reliant on scarce raw materials. There are established recycling processes for recovering the most common elements used in battery construction - cobalt, nickel, lithium and manganese - for re-use.

Once the BESS facility is operational, it will maintain a minimal presence, primarily necessitating occasional visits for operations and maintenance. The only period that might potentially affect traffic is during the temporary construction phase.

During the construction of the BESS facility, traffic will be effectively managed through a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP). This plan will incorporate measures such as an HGV booking system and time- based restrictions for traffic arrivals on-site, with the aim of preventing local network disruptions during peak times, like rush hours and school drop-off or pickup times. In preparation for the planning submission, local input on additional measures to minimise impact is highly encouraged.