Saver Pashley BESS

Frequently Asked Questions

Battery Energy Storage System
Key components in the proposed development
Natural Environment

Battery Energy Storage System

 

How does Standalone Battery Storage System work?

The UK generates electricity in several ways from coal, gas, nuclear, and renewable resources. The electricity system is balanced in real-time, and so matching demand with supply can be particularly challenging.  

The purpose of a battery storage system is to store electricity that has been generated from various means, so that it can be stored and then exported back to the grid at times of high demand/low generation. As the electricity that is generated from renewable sources is subject to peaks and troughs, depending on climatic conditions, the system is able to store electricity when generation is high and then supply energy when less electricity is being generated or when there are additional or higher demands on the grid. 

The UK and Scottish Governments are committed to a rapid transition towards a zero-carbon economy; a significant expansion in low carbon electricity generation is a key part of the Governments’ energy strategy. Consequences of this expansion include changes to the daily electricity demand and supply pattern, an increasingly volatile generation mix and greater issues with geographical concentration of generation. Transmission network constraints occur when network infrastructure limits the ability of the network to transmit all the available power to where it is needed. 

There is a growing need for technologies that can respond quickly to balance generation and load in the system. This is to ensure grid stability and security of supply, ultimately avoiding the need for extreme demand-reduction measures, which can include blackouts.  

Battery storage offers an efficient and responsive solution to actively manage grid demands by storing surplus electricity for distributing back to the grid in times of peak demand. This system caters for the inherent intermittency of renewable energy sources, helping to balance transmission requirements and Lithium-ion battery storage is currently the most suitable technology. 

 

Benefits of battery storage system

The battery storage facility can import or export large amounts of electricity with no time lag and has the following benefits: 

  • Allows for better and more flexible use of renewable energy sources, supporting the integration of renewables in the drive for decarbonisation; 
  • Efficient use of existing national infrastructure by making smarter use of existing capacity, to help defer or negate the need for grid reinforcement. 
  • Supports national energy independence (by storing excess generation until it is needed helping to control consumer prices); 
  • Installation period is faster than other traditional or renewable energy plants 
  • The construction phase will result in job creation and increased expenditure in local shops, restaurants/cafes and hotels; and 
  • The maintenance of the site will generate further opportunities for employment. 
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Key components in the proposed development


Battery storage system

The proposed battery storage system will be made up, principally, of up to 104 battery storage containers, 52 inverter/Power Control System (PCS) containers (comprising of transformer/inverters/monitoring systems), palisade and wooden fencing, parking facilities for limited maintenance vehicles and CCTV monitoring system. The battery storage containers dimensions will typically be 12.2m x 2.44m rising to 3.5m and the PCS containers typically ranging from 7-10m x 2.2 -3m rising to 3.5m in height. 

Grid Connection

The proposed battery storage system will require a Distribution and client-side substation to connect to the distribution network via a transformer. The proposed BESS will require a cable route of 610m to connect to the overhead line which is located on the north of the Site.  

 

Access Track

A 5 meters (up to 7 meters) wide permeable access track will be installed to provide access to the compound. 

 

Fencing

A 2.4m palisade security fence and double gates will be erected around the site for health, safety and insurance purposes. 

 

CCTV

A series of CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the site. The CCTV arrangements are based on infrared technology so no lighting will be required at night-time. 

 

 

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Natural Environment

The site is needed in order to provide essential grid infrastructure improvements which will facilitate renewable energy generation/supply to meet local and national ‘net zero’ energy targets. Further details of this will be provided within the Planning Support Statement, and the Design & Access Statement to be submitted with the planning application.

 

Landscape

No footpaths runs across the centre of the Site. A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees will be retained as part of the development.  

 

Ecology & Biodiversity

Our objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. Battery storage system developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the 50-year lifetime of the developmentExisting hedgerows and vegetation are retained for the most part and additional site-specific measures will be included in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the siteThese measures combined enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity. 

 

Use of agricultural land

The proposed site is located within agricultural farmland and is predominantly used for arable crop cultivation. An initial desktop survey was completed which confirmed that the Site predominantly comprises Grade 3 ‘Good to Moderate’, whilst there is a small portion of Grade 4 ‘Poor’ land in the southern extent of the site. An Agricultural Land Classification report will be completed to assess the site. 

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Local & National Energy Targets
Public Consultation Process
Key Project Details

Local & National Energy Targets

The UK is undergoing a major change in the way it meets its energy needs. In order to meet the emission targets, set by the Paris Agreement in 2015 and the most recent climate change conference, COP27, the UK has a responsibility to increase the amount of renewable energy generated power available and reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels. The COP27 targets outline the need to invest in renewable energy now, in order to ensure that the target of global net-zero emissions can be achieved by 2050. 

  • The Climate Change Act 2008 is the basis for the UK’s approach to tackling and responding to climate change. It requires that emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are reduced and that climate change risks are adapted to. In 2019 the Government amended the Climate Change Act to commit the UK to achieving net zero by 2050 (in comparison to emissions at 1990 levels). The Climate Change Act requires the government to set legally-binding ‘carbon budgets’ to act as stepping-stones to 2050. A carbon budget is a cap on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in the UK over a five-year period. The latest (sixth) Carbon Budget was published in April 2021 and enshrined in law in June 2021. This commits the UK Government to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. 
  • To meet the national need caused by these trends we need to adapt our infrastructure to offer clean, low carbon sources of energy generation that are fit for the future. 
  • The proposed energy storage scheme will assist towards controlling the supply of energy by either charging or discharging its stored energy as and when required. Development of this battery project therefore provides a valuable national service. Crucially, battery storage schemes allow more renewable energy production to be integrated into the system. The variable supply that is inherent in renewable energy generation, creates peaks and troughs in electricity production. Battery storage facilities, such as this proposal, allows for any peaks and troughs in electricity supply, being able to respond at short notice to requests from UKPN to generate electricity, when renewable sources are not generating. The proposal would comprise a form of carbon zero energy storage balancing energy supply to the UKPN. The proposal would therefore provide greater capacity and flexibility in the energy generation network and the proposed batteries would support the move towards a low carbon energy network supplied increasingly by renewable energy developments. The proposal constitutes development required for the exploitation of renewable energy and will make an important contribution to ensure that Wealden District Council can meet their own planning objectives by minimising greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the use of renewable energy. 
  • In a local scale, Wealden District Council declared a climate emergency in 2019. The council unanimously approved a motion to declare a Climate Emergency, committing to work towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 for both the Council’s own operations and the wider Wealden area, and to pursue efforts to bring this date forward if possible. The Wealden Local Plan is outdated and owing to the rapid advancement of renewable energy production and need, there are no further specific policies on this topic within the Local Plan.  Any future planning application would mitigate against impacts on the environment and show compliance with Policy EN1 in respect of how the scheme will be appropriately designed. Great weight should be given to renewable energy production and the climate emergency declaration.  
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Public Consultation Process

Engaging with our host communities will be vital to the success of this carbon-saving facility. We would like to hear your views on the proposal and how it might benefit not only the wider environment but its immediate surroundings.
 

We would like to invite you to complete the survey provided on this website. This will help us understand your views on renewable energy and will give you a chance to suggest how the development can best be made to work for the good of the community. 

 

A community digital consultation is ongoing via this website where you are able to make comment on the proposals directly to us via the survey provided or via email. These comments must be submitted no later than 8th November 2024. 

 

One public consultation open day will be held on Wednesday the 29th of October 2024. It will be held at Ninfield Memorial Hall, Bexhill Rd, Ninfield, Battle, TN33 9EE between 4pm-7pm, during which team members and project specialists will be available to discuss the project. 

 

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Key Project Details

 

Site Location

The Site is located approximately 1.5 km south of Ninfield. The Site is on agricultural land at Pashley Farm, Pashley Farmhouse, Ninfield Road, Lunsford’s Cross, Ninfield and is within the administrative boundary of Wealden District Council. 

 

Size of the Site

The red line boundary is 5.9 ha/ 14.5 acres and the likely developable area will be approximately 2.1 ha/5.19 acres once areas of landscaping and enhancement have been designed.   

 

Temporary Development

Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 50 years. 

 

Site Access

The site will be accessed for construction via a farm road off the Ninfield Road (A269) on the northeast corner of the land holding. 

 

Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic

During the construction period, which is estimated to take up to 6 months (26 weeks), delivery vehicles and construction staff will make vehicular trips to the site. Most of the deliveries will be undertaken by HGV. It is envisaged that over the busiest construction period there will be an average of 10 HGV movements (5 arrivals and 5 departures) per day. During the 50-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 3 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.

 

Decommissioning the site

At the end of the proposed 50-year operational period, the battery storage system and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority. 

It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed Saver Pashley BESS project will take approximately 4 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:  

  • Disconnecting and removal of all wiring, cables and electrical interconnections; 
  • Dismantling and removal of the battery storage infrastructure; 
  • Dismantling and removal of the in ground support structures; 
  • Removal of fences and gates;  
  • Reinstatement of land affected in accordance with best practice; and 
  • Where possible, all of the proposed Saver Pashley BESS project components will be removed and reused or recycled. Where this is not possible, any waste generated during decommissioning will be removed and transported by a certified and licensed contractor. 

Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings

The battery storage system would have a capacity of approximately 129.9MW. 

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Health and safety issues

Health and safety issues

 

Noise

Each battery container and inverter station will contain a small fan that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size & rating, these would be away for sensitive noise receptors and the project will be compliant with the noise limits set by the Council. 

 

Emissions

No greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted by the development. 

 

Is there an increased risk of flooding around battery storage system?

Given the small size of the project there is no increase in surface water runoff and therefore no significant increase in the risk of flooding as little impermeable hard surfacing is required 

 

Highways and access

A Transport Assessment will be submitted with the planning application and will set out the access strategy for the development. It will confirm the traffic numbers and vehicle types forecast to access the site during both the construction and operational periods, and review potential routes to the site access point for any local highway safety concerns.  It will conclude by setting out the mitigation measures to be carried out to ensure that construction vehicles enter and exit the site in a safe and appropriate manner.

 

CLOSE
Battery Energy Storage System

Battery Energy Storage System

 

How does Standalone Battery Storage System work?

The UK generates electricity in several ways from coal, gas, nuclear, and renewable resources. The electricity system is balanced in real-time, and so matching demand with supply can be particularly challenging.  

The purpose of a battery storage system is to store electricity that has been generated from various means, so that it can be stored and then exported back to the grid at times of high demand/low generation. As the electricity that is generated from renewable sources is subject to peaks and troughs, depending on climatic conditions, the system is able to store electricity when generation is high and then supply energy when less electricity is being generated or when there are additional or higher demands on the grid. 

The UK and Scottish Governments are committed to a rapid transition towards a zero-carbon economy; a significant expansion in low carbon electricity generation is a key part of the Governments’ energy strategy. Consequences of this expansion include changes to the daily electricity demand and supply pattern, an increasingly volatile generation mix and greater issues with geographical concentration of generation. Transmission network constraints occur when network infrastructure limits the ability of the network to transmit all the available power to where it is needed. 

There is a growing need for technologies that can respond quickly to balance generation and load in the system. This is to ensure grid stability and security of supply, ultimately avoiding the need for extreme demand-reduction measures, which can include blackouts.  

Battery storage offers an efficient and responsive solution to actively manage grid demands by storing surplus electricity for distributing back to the grid in times of peak demand. This system caters for the inherent intermittency of renewable energy sources, helping to balance transmission requirements and Lithium-ion battery storage is currently the most suitable technology. 

 

Benefits of battery storage system

The battery storage facility can import or export large amounts of electricity with no time lag and has the following benefits: 

  • Allows for better and more flexible use of renewable energy sources, supporting the integration of renewables in the drive for decarbonisation; 
  • Efficient use of existing national infrastructure by making smarter use of existing capacity, to help defer or negate the need for grid reinforcement. 
  • Supports national energy independence (by storing excess generation until it is needed helping to control consumer prices); 
  • Installation period is faster than other traditional or renewable energy plants 
  • The construction phase will result in job creation and increased expenditure in local shops, restaurants/cafes and hotels; and 
  • The maintenance of the site will generate further opportunities for employment. 
CLOSE
Key components in the proposed development

Key components in the proposed development


Battery storage system

The proposed battery storage system will be made up, principally, of up to 104 battery storage containers, 52 inverter/Power Control System (PCS) containers (comprising of transformer/inverters/monitoring systems), palisade and wooden fencing, parking facilities for limited maintenance vehicles and CCTV monitoring system. The battery storage containers dimensions will typically be 12.2m x 2.44m rising to 3.5m and the PCS containers typically ranging from 7-10m x 2.2 -3m rising to 3.5m in height. 

Grid Connection

The proposed battery storage system will require a Distribution and client-side substation to connect to the distribution network via a transformer. The proposed BESS will require a cable route of 610m to connect to the overhead line which is located on the north of the Site.  

 

Access Track

A 5 meters (up to 7 meters) wide permeable access track will be installed to provide access to the compound. 

 

Fencing

A 2.4m palisade security fence and double gates will be erected around the site for health, safety and insurance purposes. 

 

CCTV

A series of CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the site. The CCTV arrangements are based on infrared technology so no lighting will be required at night-time. 

 

 

CLOSE
Natural Environment

Natural Environment

The site is needed in order to provide essential grid infrastructure improvements which will facilitate renewable energy generation/supply to meet local and national ‘net zero’ energy targets. Further details of this will be provided within the Planning Support Statement, and the Design & Access Statement to be submitted with the planning application.

 

Landscape

No footpaths runs across the centre of the Site. A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees will be retained as part of the development.  

 

Ecology & Biodiversity

Our objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. Battery storage system developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the 50-year lifetime of the developmentExisting hedgerows and vegetation are retained for the most part and additional site-specific measures will be included in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the siteThese measures combined enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity. 

 

Use of agricultural land

The proposed site is located within agricultural farmland and is predominantly used for arable crop cultivation. An initial desktop survey was completed which confirmed that the Site predominantly comprises Grade 3 ‘Good to Moderate’, whilst there is a small portion of Grade 4 ‘Poor’ land in the southern extent of the site. An Agricultural Land Classification report will be completed to assess the site. 

CLOSE
Local & National Energy Targets

Local & National Energy Targets

The UK is undergoing a major change in the way it meets its energy needs. In order to meet the emission targets, set by the Paris Agreement in 2015 and the most recent climate change conference, COP27, the UK has a responsibility to increase the amount of renewable energy generated power available and reduce the UK’s dependence on fossil fuels. The COP27 targets outline the need to invest in renewable energy now, in order to ensure that the target of global net-zero emissions can be achieved by 2050. 

  • The Climate Change Act 2008 is the basis for the UK’s approach to tackling and responding to climate change. It requires that emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are reduced and that climate change risks are adapted to. In 2019 the Government amended the Climate Change Act to commit the UK to achieving net zero by 2050 (in comparison to emissions at 1990 levels). The Climate Change Act requires the government to set legally-binding ‘carbon budgets’ to act as stepping-stones to 2050. A carbon budget is a cap on the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in the UK over a five-year period. The latest (sixth) Carbon Budget was published in April 2021 and enshrined in law in June 2021. This commits the UK Government to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035 compared to 1990 levels. 
  • To meet the national need caused by these trends we need to adapt our infrastructure to offer clean, low carbon sources of energy generation that are fit for the future. 
  • The proposed energy storage scheme will assist towards controlling the supply of energy by either charging or discharging its stored energy as and when required. Development of this battery project therefore provides a valuable national service. Crucially, battery storage schemes allow more renewable energy production to be integrated into the system. The variable supply that is inherent in renewable energy generation, creates peaks and troughs in electricity production. Battery storage facilities, such as this proposal, allows for any peaks and troughs in electricity supply, being able to respond at short notice to requests from UKPN to generate electricity, when renewable sources are not generating. The proposal would comprise a form of carbon zero energy storage balancing energy supply to the UKPN. The proposal would therefore provide greater capacity and flexibility in the energy generation network and the proposed batteries would support the move towards a low carbon energy network supplied increasingly by renewable energy developments. The proposal constitutes development required for the exploitation of renewable energy and will make an important contribution to ensure that Wealden District Council can meet their own planning objectives by minimising greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the use of renewable energy. 
  • In a local scale, Wealden District Council declared a climate emergency in 2019. The council unanimously approved a motion to declare a Climate Emergency, committing to work towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 for both the Council’s own operations and the wider Wealden area, and to pursue efforts to bring this date forward if possible. The Wealden Local Plan is outdated and owing to the rapid advancement of renewable energy production and need, there are no further specific policies on this topic within the Local Plan.  Any future planning application would mitigate against impacts on the environment and show compliance with Policy EN1 in respect of how the scheme will be appropriately designed. Great weight should be given to renewable energy production and the climate emergency declaration.  
CLOSE
Public Consultation Process

Public Consultation Process

Engaging with our host communities will be vital to the success of this carbon-saving facility. We would like to hear your views on the proposal and how it might benefit not only the wider environment but its immediate surroundings.
 

We would like to invite you to complete the survey provided on this website. This will help us understand your views on renewable energy and will give you a chance to suggest how the development can best be made to work for the good of the community. 

 

A community digital consultation is ongoing via this website where you are able to make comment on the proposals directly to us via the survey provided or via email. These comments must be submitted no later than 8th November 2024. 

 

One public consultation open day will be held on Wednesday the 29th of October 2024. It will be held at Ninfield Memorial Hall, Bexhill Rd, Ninfield, Battle, TN33 9EE between 4pm-7pm, during which team members and project specialists will be available to discuss the project. 

 

CLOSE
Key Project Details

Key Project Details

 

Site Location

The Site is located approximately 1.5 km south of Ninfield. The Site is on agricultural land at Pashley Farm, Pashley Farmhouse, Ninfield Road, Lunsford’s Cross, Ninfield and is within the administrative boundary of Wealden District Council. 

 

Size of the Site

The red line boundary is 5.9 ha/ 14.5 acres and the likely developable area will be approximately 2.1 ha/5.19 acres once areas of landscaping and enhancement have been designed.   

 

Temporary Development

Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 50 years. 

 

Site Access

The site will be accessed for construction via a farm road off the Ninfield Road (A269) on the northeast corner of the land holding. 

 

Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic

During the construction period, which is estimated to take up to 6 months (26 weeks), delivery vehicles and construction staff will make vehicular trips to the site. Most of the deliveries will be undertaken by HGV. It is envisaged that over the busiest construction period there will be an average of 10 HGV movements (5 arrivals and 5 departures) per day. During the 50-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 3 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.

 

Decommissioning the site

At the end of the proposed 50-year operational period, the battery storage system and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority. 

It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed Saver Pashley BESS project will take approximately 4 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:  

  • Disconnecting and removal of all wiring, cables and electrical interconnections; 
  • Dismantling and removal of the battery storage infrastructure; 
  • Dismantling and removal of the in ground support structures; 
  • Removal of fences and gates;  
  • Reinstatement of land affected in accordance with best practice; and 
  • Where possible, all of the proposed Saver Pashley BESS project components will be removed and reused or recycled. Where this is not possible, any waste generated during decommissioning will be removed and transported by a certified and licensed contractor. 

Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings

The battery storage system would have a capacity of approximately 129.9MW. 

CLOSE
Health and safety issues

Health and safety issues

 

Noise

Each battery container and inverter station will contain a small fan that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size & rating, these would be away for sensitive noise receptors and the project will be compliant with the noise limits set by the Council. 

 

Emissions

No greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted by the development. 

 

Is there an increased risk of flooding around battery storage system?

Given the small size of the project there is no increase in surface water runoff and therefore no significant increase in the risk of flooding as little impermeable hard surfacing is required 

 

Highways and access

A Transport Assessment will be submitted with the planning application and will set out the access strategy for the development. It will confirm the traffic numbers and vehicle types forecast to access the site during both the construction and operational periods, and review potential routes to the site access point for any local highway safety concerns.  It will conclude by setting out the mitigation measures to be carried out to ensure that construction vehicles enter and exit the site in a safe and appropriate manner.

 

CLOSE