Frequently Asked Questions
How do battery storage systems work?
Battery storage systems import and store electricity from the National Grid and dispatch this stored electricity as and when needed to balance the network through periods of high and low, supply and demand.
As renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, generate power intermittently, based on local, changing weather conditions, battery energy storage is particularly useful. Excess energy produced during periods of high energy production (for example, windy weather and/or periods of low energy use, such as nighttime) can be stored by BESS, for use later, during periods of high energy demand (for example, calm weather, and/or periods of high energy demand, such as during the most active parts of the day).
Why is this project needed?
As fossil fuel sources of electricity (such as coal-fired power stations) are decommissioned, new sources of dispatchable energy generation need to be constructed. In addition to providing a form of dispatchable power, battery storage can also provide system frequency and voltage support, which is critical to the operation of the energy system and which many forms of renewable generation cannot provide. Battery storage also provides the ability to store renewable energy that may otherwise have been curtailed due to transmission constraints.
The proposed 49.5 MW battery energy storage system, Shielburn Energy Park, could have a storage capacity of up to five hours per full charge, depending on the technology used. At full power output, the proposed development would therefore be able to generate for five hours, contributing to security of supply for our energy system over the peaks in demand throughout the day.
For comparison, the average UK household uses around 3.7MWh of energy across an entire year and around 10 kWh per day, with a maximum instantaneous usage of around 0.8kW. On this basis, a single full charge could provide sufficient energy to power around 24,415 homes for a day, or provide instantaneous power to over 61,875 homes. In reality, the proposed development will be used to provide services and balancing capability to the wider National Grid network, and operate dynamically in the GB energy market.
Will there be any impacts on local roads?
Sunlaws Development Company Limited has carried out studies to assess potential impacts of construction and operation of the BESS development. These studies included transport and the impact on local roads. Two access routes are considered: one travelling to the east to join the public road leading to Gifford Road, and one travelling to the southeast leading to the public road joining the B6456. Technical assessments of the routes have been carried out with regard to their suitability for traffic and equipment loads during construction and operational phases. The route leading southeast has been used previously for similar loads and is considered the most suitable, with no alteration expected to be required.
The construction period is expected to take approximately 16 to 24 months, and during this time there will be deliveries of materials and equipment to the site. To manage the potential impacts, Sunlaws Development Company Limited will put in place measures to control construction traffic and minimise disruption to local roads (for example, by restricting the hours that deliveries can be made and implementing wheel washing and other dust control measures).
A Transport Statement has been submitted with the planning application.
Will the battery storage equipment generate noise?
Some of the equipment such as the inverters and transformers will generate a low hum when they are being used, and the battery units will include air conditioning to maintain operating temperature. However, a battery is only in use when charging up at times of excess generation on the network and when discharging at times when there is a shortage of generation. These low levels of noise are not expected to exceed background levels of noise at this location. Furthermore, the proposed development is remote, and is unseen and unheard from the nearest dwelling, which is being approximately 4.6km away.
Is the battery storage equipment safe?
The battery storage system is designed to have a very low risk of failure. However, in the unlikely event that a failure should occur, the battery units are host to internal safety measures prevent overheating or gas accumulation, as well as to avoid the need for human intervention.
The battery units have undergone extensive analysis and testing to assess hazardous conditions relating to the product, and have been independently reviewed and validated at a product level and for large-scale fire testing.
External safety measures for the site as a whole will also be implemented, including but limited to, multispectrum IR heat or flame detectors, access to fire hydrants and safe cleaning/disposal of fire water after use. Two access and egress points have been designed into the site layout, to allow for alternative safe entry and exit.
Sunlaws Development Company Limited will consult with Scottish Borders Council and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), following planning guidance provided by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) for Grid Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems. As an anticipated condition of planning consent, a robust Emergency Response Plan will be developed following detailed construction design.
A Fire Safety Statement has been submitted with the planning application.
Where can I view the full planning application and submit comments to the planning authority?
The full planning application is available to view and make comment on via the Scottish Borders Council planning portal under application reference 25/00374/FUL.