Whilst nuclear power stations are able to generate a large and consistent amount of electricity for baseload operation, they are very expensive to build and operate and are unable to react quickly to fast-changing grid fluctuations. On the other hand, BESS is able to respond to changes in the grid quickly and makes it possible for cheap renewable energy to be used during times when it wouldn’t normally be possible. For this reason, to improve the stability of the grid network and to facilitate the transition to net zero it makes more sense to invest in BESS rather than nuclear power.

This site has been identified following extensive site selection across Oxfordshire which took into account environmental designations, local electricity network access and capacity, the physical characteristics of the site, and a supportive landowner.

For a period of approximately 16-20 weeks during construction, there will be deliveries of equipment to site. Renewable Connections will put in place measures to manage impacts of construction traffic and these measures will be included in a Construction Traffic Management Plan that will submitted with the planning application. There will be infrequent maintenance visits to the site during operation.

No – the Balbougie BESS would operate for a period of up to 40 years, following which the site would be fully decommissioned and returned to its pre-existing use as a storage yard for the neighbouring garden centre.

No – the Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries that would be used in the Balbougie BESS are thermally and chemically stable, with no risk of fumes or gas leaks. LFP batteries are made of abundant, non-toxic materials like iron, copper, and graphite so also have a lower environmental impact from mining, processing, and recycling when compared to other battery types.

No – while the Balbougie BESS will generate some low-level electrical noise from the inverter, switchgear, and fan equipment this noise would not be perceptible beyond the site boundaries and would not have an adverse impact on any nearby residential receptors. To demonstrate this, a Noise Impact Assessment will be submitted as part of any future planning application.

The battery storage modules are designed to have a very low risk of failure, and an even lower risk that any failure would result in a fire. In the unlikely event that a fire does occur, both fire detection and fire prevention equipment is installed in all the battery storage modules to ensure that any fires remain under control. All modules will also be equipped with an inert gas suppression system designed to extinguish any fires that are detected by the monitoring system.