New battery storage energy system angers some North Yorkshire residents
A decision on the scheme is expected later this year
Plans have been announced for a large battery storage energy system (BESS) in a community already fighting a proposed huge solar farm and storage plant.
Developer Brockwell Energy wants to build a 100MW BESS on land to the southeast of the A645 near Drax Golf Course at Camblesforth, near Selby.
The company says it is working on a planning application for the New Oak Energy Storage scheme for submission to North Yorkshire Council.
The company is seeking feedback on its proposals and is inviting residents to an online webinar next week.
Gary Bird, head of project development at Brockwell Energy, said: “If consented, New Oak Energy Storage will play an important role in ensuring that the United Kingdom has a secure, domestic green energy supply.
“We hope members of the local community will attend the event so that we can provide further details of our proposals, answer any questions and gather feedback.”
The Planning Inspectorate is currently looking at plans for the 190MW Helios solar farm to the west of Camblesforth.
A decision on the scheme, which also includes plans for a BESS, is expected later this year.
North Yorkshire planners rejected plans for a solar farm near the village of Hillam, in the former Selby district, last month with one councillor claiming the area was being unfairly earmarked for green energy projects due to its grid connections.
New Oak Energy Storage says its site has been chosen as it is near existing power lines and close to an agreed National Grid connection near to Drax power station.
BESS plants are designed to store green energy when demand is low and then release it into the grid when demand rises.
Critics however say the plants are a fire risk and damage rural landscapes.
Members of the HALT group, which was formed to fight the Helios scheme, reacted with dismay to the release of details of the New Oak proposal.
Campaigner Pam Spreckley urged residents to contest the scheme, saying she was “absolutely furious” about the new BESS plans.
She added: “These battery storage units are dangerous and noisy.
“If we don’t fight each one they will keep coming.”
The online webinar will take place between 6pm and 7pm on Tuesday, April 8.
Brockwell said the event was an opportunity for people to understand more about the project, ask questions and provide feedback.
The information that will be shared, along with a summary of the feedback, will then be posted on the project website after the webinar for people who are unable to attend.
A form on the project website will enable people to provide feedback during a 10-day engagement period which runs until Thursday, April 17.