BESS store excess energy created during strong winds, bright sun, or periods of low demand. This energy, which will be imported from the transmission network and can include energy produced by a variety of sources, will be stored until it is needed and then be released back into the grid at times of either peak demand or when the grid requires additional support.

Green energy cannot always consistently produce electricity at all times of day. Installing BESS means energy from renewable sources can be stored to power homes and businesses even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing. This is essential as we transition away from fossil fuels and imported energy. 

The UK is facing a climate emergency, and South Norfolk is no different. We need to transition to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. There are not enough battery storage facilities to enable the UK to store the amount of renewable energy we need to combat climate change.

Both the previous and current Government emphasised the need to scale up energy storage technologies quickly, so that they can play a vital role in decarbonising the electricity system by 2035.

As part of the ongoing significant reform by National Grid of the grid connection process, transitioning to a ‘first ready, first connected’ approach, the connection date for the project will be confirmed once planning permission for the proposal is granted. However, once connected, the BESS will play a key role in supporting South Norfolk Council’s commitment to achieving net zero.

By providing up to 900MW of storage, Dodd’s Wood BESS would facilitate a greater use of renewable energy, by balancing out fluctuations in supply and demand within the Grid system.

Using BESS, we can maximise our homegrown energy sources and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and imported energy, improving both our energy security and independence. Crucially, by shifting energy consumption away from peak, expensive periods, and reducing the system’s exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices, BESS can reduce energy bills for households and businesses.

BESS provide a means of allowing electricity to be stored at times of low demand / high generation, due to the intermittent nature of wind or the sun. Renewable energy-generating infrastructure, like solar panels and wind farms, cannot always produce electricity at all hours of the day, for example when the sun isn’t out, or when it is not windy. This is called intermittency.

Using BESS smooths out the intermittency, storing electrical energy for later use, for example, capturing solar energy when it is sunny.

This energy can then be exported back into the Grid at times of higher demand or system stress.

As such, BESS schemes can provide balancing services to the Grid both through frequency response and reactive power services.

These services are vital to the Grid, especially within this area of the transmission network, which is known to be heavily constrained, and will become more so as future renewable energy schemes connect to the system in line with net zero aims.

In essence, BESS provide a way to store excess energy generated during periods of low demand and release it during peak demand, improving energy efficiency and reliability.

Despite common misconceptions, BESS schemes are safe.

The BESS will be equipped with a sophisticated Battery Management System (BMS) that continuously monitor temperature, voltage, and current to detect any anomalies. Early detection of fires will be monitored via sensors for smoke, heat and gas.

Fire resistant barriers and containment systems will be installed to prevent the spread of fire between battery modules and to the surrounding environment. Ventilation systems will also dissipate heat and gases.

Automated fire suppression systems will be installed, which can quickly contain and extinguish fires. In the event of a detected failure or a thermal runaway, the BESS can automatically disconnect the affected battery module to prevent the spread of fire.

We will follow the National Fire Chiefs Council [NFCC] guidance that sets out a number of fire risk and safety criteria which BESS schemes (typically 1 MW or larger) should seek to adhere to. When the application is submitted, a Battery Safety Management Plan will be published where you will be able to read through all the measures in place to ensure the development is brought forward safely. In line with the industry guidance, Norfolk Fire and Rescue will have the opportunity to review and comment the plans to ensure compliance.

BESS generate some low-level noise from the electrical infrastructure onsite, although usually only audible from within a short distance.

A full noise assessment will be carried out as part of the planning application. If necessary, the assessment will recommend mitigation measures to reduce noise levels.

The BESS is a temporary development and will not change the land classification. When the BESS has been decommissioned, the planning consent will require the land to be restored to its previous purpose.

Once operational, the BESS facility will have a low-impact presence with only the occasional operations and maintenance visit.