"TOO dangerous, noisy, an eyesore, potentially toxic." These are all complaints made about battery energy storage systems, otherwise known as BESS.
There has been a steady rise in planning applications for the sites across Scotland, and a rise in resident groups opposing them.
With developers facing uncertainty about whether projects will be accepted, and a potential overload of sites now applying, we take a look at what exactly BESS are.
What are battery energy storage systems?
RENEWABLE sources can generate more energy than is needed at a given time.
Containers on BESS sites are able to store this energy, and release it when it is needed.
The units contain lithium-ion batteries, similar to ones found in electric cars and mobile phones, which can release the energy during peak time or when production slows down.
Each site can be used for about 30 to 40 years. The Scottish Government and energy sector leaders say battery storage will play a key part in the rollout of renewables, as they store excess power generated by windfarms and help to balance the energy grid.
Developers also promise to remove the infrastructure and return the ground back to its original state one the site runs its course.
Does Scotland need battery storage sites?
AS Government, businesses, homeowners, and communities strive to hit Scotland's net zero targets, BESS are becoming increasingly viable projects.
Grid-scale batteries have capacities up to several hundred megawatts (MW) and are often strategically positioned near renewable energy generation sites, such as wind farms, or close to major population centres.
An increasing numbers of developers are approaching landowners to negotiate leases for the sole purpose of constructing battery storage.
James Elliot, a solicitor in the Davidson, Chalmers, Stewarts's renewable energy and rural business teams, said: "These sites are said to be critical for balancing Scotland’s energy grid and to accommodate the onshore transmission of offshore schemes.
"Indeed, renewable energy accounted for over 97% of the country’s gross electricity consumption 2023, with wind power alone contributing around 78% of this figure.
"As more projects like this come online, it is likely that large-scale battery storage will become an increasingly vital component of Scotland’s energy infrastructure."
One example he points to is Whitelee Wind Farm in South Lanarkshire, a site commissioned to host a 50 MW battery storage facility in 2022. This site is capable of storing enough energy to power tens of thousands of homes.
The Scottish Government recently announced an £800 million deal which will create the two largest battery storage sites in Europe.
When the three sites are complete in the coming years, they will have a combined energy storage capacity of three gigawatt hours and will theoretically be able to power 4.5 million homes for two hours.
There are more than 270 other battery energy storage sites, planned or under construction across the country.
However, there are no government regulations about who can build and manage the sites.
Why are battery storage sites controversial?
Key concerns raised by objectors include:
- Significant fire risk from lithium-ion batteries
- Damage to wildlife habitats and disruption to public footpaths
- The transformation of good agricultural land into an industrial site
- The risk of noise pollution
Are battery storage site fire concerns justified?
THERE has only been one recorded fire at a BESS in the UK, which took place in Liverpool in September 2020.
An incident report produced after the event, revealed that the fire caused a "significant blast".
All battery storage units have heat and fire detection systems installed to prevent any similar disasters.
Frances Nicholson, from Harmony Energy, said in reaction to concerns in 2023: "If it didn't meet the safety thresholds we wouldn't be able to get finance or insurance for it, they are remotely monitored 24/7 and routinely maintained to insure optimum performance.
"If there's any sign of temperature rises the whole system shuts off."
