Dodd’s Wood BESS
Securing enough energy to power every home in South Norfolk for over two hours
Welcome to our consultation for a new Battery Energy Storage System known as ‘Dodd’s Wood BESS’ in South Norfolk.
Thank you for taking the time to find out more about our plans for a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which if approved, would deliver up to 900 MW BESS on land east of Cutting’s Road, Rushall, Diss, IP21 4UD.
Your views are very important to us, and we want to ensure that our proposals are delivered in close collaboration with the local community so they can deliver the right benefits for South Norfolk, and the wider region.
This website has been created to provide more information on our proposals so you can find out more and submit your feedback ahead of us submitting a planning application to South Norfolk Council.
What
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) store excess energy created during strong winds, bright sun, or periods of low demand. This energy will be imported from the transmission network and can include energy produced by a variety of sources. They can then release the energy when demand is high, even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing. This technology is going to be essential in our transition away from fossil fuels and imported energy.
Dodd’s Wood BESS will have a maximum storage capacity of 900MW. Dodd’s Wood BESS could store enough energy to power every home in South Norfolk for more than three days (South Norfolk has about 60,000 homes, each using ~0.73kW per hour).
Why
Renewable sources like wind and solar cannot always consistently produce electricity all hours of day. With BESS, we can store excess electricity when it is produced sand power homes and businesses consistently at all hours of the day. This network flexibility is increasingly important as the UK shifts its electricity generation from gas and coal-fired power stations to renewable sources.
Is BESS safe?
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.