FAQs

The application site for this proposal is considered to be suitable for a development of this nature for the following reasons:

• It is located in close proximity to the point of connection at Cilfynydd substation where there is capacity and a secured grid connection.
• The proposed development is within a viable distance from the point of connection.
• The site is available with a willing landowner.
• The site is not located in proximity to a built up area and the proposed use is considered compatible with the surrounding land uses where there is existing energy infrastructure.
• The site benefits from existing access to the northern development parcel and is bound by National Road to the south to facilitate access into the southern development parcel.
• There is sufficient land to accommodate the development and integrate landscape and ecological mitigation to provide environmental improvements to the site.

Battery storage has an important role to play in supporting the decarbonisation of our energy supply as it provides a balancing mechanism to reduce the risk of power shortages, blackouts and optimises the use of renewable energy generated. In periods when electricity supply outweighs the demand, the proposed development would provide the capacity to store electricity, which would otherwise be wasted. It will then return electricity to the national grid when baseload supply falls below the level of demand and there would otherwise be an electricity shortage.

National Grid have stated that “battery storage systems will play an increasingly pivotal role between green energy supplies and responding to electricity demands.”

Planning Policy Wales (PPW) identifies that “energy storage has an important part to play in managing the transition to a low carbon economy. The growth in energy generation from renewable sources requires the management of the resultant intermittency in supply, and energy storage can help balance supply and demand. Proposals for new storage facilities should be supported wherever possible”.

Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 outlines that achieving decarbonisation and climate-resilience are one of the key national priorities for Wales. The recently published National Policy Statement for Energy states battery storage should be considered a critical national priority.

Battery Energy Storage Systems use the same Lithium-Ion technology as in our smartphones and laptops, which we use with ease and relative comfort every day. There are currently over 8.7GWh of battery storage projects operating safely around the UK over 96 separate sites.

Battery storage systems are fitted with cooling and fire suppression systems alongside hyper-sensitive sensors which can detect defects. Should a sensor detect even the slightest anomaly, it will automatically shut off the battery unit instantaneously, well in advance of any possible fire. The batteries are also monitored 24/7 and regularly inspected to ensure safety and compliance.

The proposed development will be designed to meet industry guidelines and statutory regulations such as appropriate access arrangements, sufficient spacing between battery units and access to water supply in accordance with National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) guidance. The regional Fire and Rescue will be consulted, and the application will be supported by an Outline Battery Safety Management Plan.

The battery storage development, located in the northern development area, would consist of 142 battery storage units, which are similar in appearance to a typical shipping container, arranged back-to-back in 71 pairs. Supporting infrastructure to the northern parcel will include 71 inverter/transformer stations, 7 auxiliary transformers, 3 spare parts containers and a compound building. A substation is proposed to be located in the southern development area. Earthworks will provide platforms for the built development alongside drainage.

There will also be access tracks within  the site to facilitate maintenance and fencing around the perimeter  with inward facing infrared CCTV and motion detection lighting  for security. Landscape planting will also be incorporated into the  proposal to provide biodiversity enhancement, visual screening and reinforce landscape character.

For proposed developments such as National Road Battery Storage, the applicant needs to undertake assessments and prepare reports considering the environmental impacts. These environmental topic areas include, but are not limited to:

• Agricultural Land
• Topography
• Landscape and Visual Impact
• Flood Risk and Drainage
• Ecology and Biodiversity
• Heritage and Archaeology
• Noise
• Transport and Access

The feedback from the assessments have been carefully considered and will help to shape the final design and layout of the development whilst also providing mitigation/enhancements where possible and suitable to limit any adverse impacts on the local environment.

The construction will last for approximately 12 months and once complete the development will operate for 40 years, when the site will be decommissioned and the land returned to its current use.

A temporary set down and vehicle parking area will be provided for the construction phase within the site boundary.

Battery Energy Storage Systems may generate some noise from inverters, switchgears and fans. Where required, mitigation will be integrated into the design, to minimise noise impacts to acceptable levels. A Noise Impact Assessment will be provided as part of the planning application.

To manage noise through construction and to minimise potential environmental and amenity effects, best practice construction methods will be adopted and agreed with the local planning authority prior to commencement of construction.