FAQs

We secured a grid connection to Chickerell substation following a land search exercise. The selected site for the battery storage infrastructure was found to be suitable for development of this nature for the following reasons:

• The site is not subject to any environmental, landscape or heritage allocations or designations.
• The site is classified as low-grade agricultural land (Grade 3b).
• The site is well screened and contained by existing mature hedgerow and woodland, limiting visual impacts.
• The site is adjacent to the existing Nottington Lane Solar Farm.
• The formal grid application applied for the point of connection to be utilising the on site 400kV overhead lines. However, National Grid advised this is no longer possible due to network limitations. Connection will now be made via underground cabling to the substation.

No suitable available sites for battery storage were found closer to the substation as part of the land search exercise.

Battery storage has an important role to play in decarbonising the UK’s energy supply as it provides a balancing mechanism to reduce the risk of power shortages and blackouts. This is done by drawing electricity from the National Grid when levels of generation on the network outweigh the levels of demand. The electricity is then discharged back onto the National Grid during periods of higher demand to ensure any energy generated is not wasted and there is no loss of power to end users. As defined by the National Grid, “Battery storage systems will play an increasingly pivotal role between green energy supplies and responding to electricity demands”.

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 1,500MW of battery storage projects operating safely around the UK over 90 separate sites, with the majority being fitted with cooling and fire suppression systems alongside hyper-sensitive sensors which can detect defects in the batteries long before a fire would commence, meaning that these units are safer than ever. Should the sensor detect even the slightest anomaly, it will automatically shut off the battery unit instantaneously, well in advance of any possible fire. The batteries will also be monitored 24/7 by a person, and regularly inspected to ensure safety and compliance.

The development will be developed to meet industry guidelines, statutory regulations and the regional Fire and Rescue will be consulted through the application process.

A step-up transformer converts low voltage and high current on the primary side to high voltage and low current on the secondary side, allowing the power where it is originated at a lower voltage to be distributed into the grid at a higher voltage with minimal loss of current. National Grid connection voltage is 400kV (e.g. Chickerell 400kV substation) and so the transformer allows us to connect at the required voltage level.

The battery storage development would consist of approximately 108 battery storage units, the size of a typical storage container. An off site step-up transformer is also proposed to support the battery storage and connection into Chickerell substation with the tallest element being a typical maximum height of 10m. There will also be access tracks to site and fencing around the perimeter with inward facing infrared CCTV and motion detection lighting for security. Landscaping will also be incorporated into the proposals to provide mitigation and screening.

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

Landscape and visual impacts

Ecology and biodiversity

Trees

Flood risk and drainage

Heritage and archaeology

Noise

A safety management report will be produced which will detail our approach to fire safety and how we will meet industry guidelines and statutory regulations. These reports will form part of the planning application.

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

The construction phase would last approximately 18 months after which the development will operate for up to 40 years. Following the operational phase the site will be decommissioned, and the land returned to its original use.

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

Battery energy storage systems will generate some noise from inverters, switchgear and fans.  Mitigation has been considered, where necessary, 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, a Construction Traffic Method Plan will provide details of proposed access arrangements, the anticipated programme, construction vehicle numbers and type, construction worker numbers and the proposed construction hours. This will need to be agreed with the local planning authority prior to commencement of construction.

A planning application has been submitted to Dorset Council under the Town and County Planning Act (1990) and the Council will make the decision on whether to grant planning permission in their role as Local Planning Authority.

We will update this website as the application progresses.