Q&As

These Q&As comprise questions from previous projects, and will be expanded throughout the consultation period.

A selection of additional questions that we have received over the consultation so far:

  • We have provided a detailed CGI images of how the project would likely look. You can find these under the About BESS and The Site tabs of this website.

  • A few local residents have raised similar concerns, and we are using this feedback to explore other access options. Once decided, the final route will be available for scrutiny in the application made to North Lincolnshire Council.

  • We are connecting at 400kV; the precise connection methodology is currently being reviewed by National Grid under its nationwide Connections Reform process.

  • This is the only energy project we are proposing in North Lincs currently. The scale of ambition for the UK to become more energy independent is significant, so we would not rule out further projects in Lincolnshire if the opportunity arises, but these would be subject to a separate permitting process.

  • The submission will include reports on landscape, noise impact, transport routes, and safety. The Local Authority and their consultees have very strict requirements on local impact, and they will control this impact via planning conditions.  

  • We’re proud of our track record for bringing biodiversity enhancements to areas local to our projects. As you will see from our plans under the The Site tab of this website, we have dedicated more than half of our land take to biodiversity enhancement. You can find more details of this enhancement on the Biodiversity Concept Plan exhibition board. Our application to North Lincolnshire Council will include more detailed plans, along with a predicted Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), which we are confident will far exceed the statutory 10%.

  • Older battery technology was air cooled by fans, but modern technology uses liquid cooling, similar to a refrigerant, which is much quieter. Nevertheless, the Local Authority and Environmental Health have very strict requirements on noise levels, which would be controlled via planning condition. These conditions can be enforced by the Local Authority, should they ever be breached.

  • Each unit itself has detection and suppression mechanisms, which are remotely monitored 24/7. The Site has been designed to comply with the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) guidelines, for example, having adequate spacing, two points of access, and on-Site water storage. We consult closely with the local Fire and Rescue Service, as well as the Local Authority, to ensure that we are using the correct methodology.

    There are currently approximately 115 BESS developments active in the UK, and some have been running since as early as 2006. There have only even been two BESS fires in this time, one on an active project in Liverpool, and one on a project in London that took place during construction. While the reports from the event in London event haven’t yet been released, the Liverpool reports show that Environmental Protection found the plume and water run-off to be safe. BESS technology has an enviable safety record, in fact safer than many other industries, and is in line with what the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) would expect.  

  • The BESS units are approximately 3 metres tall. A detailed plan will be available in our planning application.

  • While we wouldn’t seek to totally hide it, we expect that only the tops of the infrastructure will be visible locally. One of the reasons that this location was considered to be appropriate is because the pylons, which are much taller, are the dominating feature of the landscape. The scale of harm will be assessed by the Local Authority during the application process.

  • Yes, the BESS technologies that we use are modern, and extremely safe. We build to the latest guidelines, and consult with fire services throughout the planning process.

    Each unit is fully containerised and contains an individual fire suppression system.

  • In the past, batteries and transformers have been air-cooled by fans, which could create noise. New technology means that the infrastructure can be liquid cooled, which is much quieter.

    As agreed with the council, we’ve undertaken a baseline assessment to determine the current background noise levels. Each unit that we install has an associated decibel level, and so from that, we can work out distances that the site can be heard from. We don’t expect it to be perceptible from any local properties.

    We’ll follow the local authority’s recommendations, including submitting a Noise Impact Assessment with the application. If the assessment shows that noise reduction is required, we would be able to install acoustic fencing.

  • Our planning application is for a maximum of 40 years. After this, the units will be recycled and the land would be restored to its previous use.

  • Yes!

    We would pay annually into a community benefit endowment, which is likely to be managed by Lincolnshire Community Foundation. Please contact us if you would like to nominate a cause and we’d love to chat.

  • No, this project comes subsidy free. Although it is funded privately, the benefits are for the British public.

  • No. A full flood and drainage strategy will be submitted with the planning application, but we do not expect the development to create a local flood risk.

  • Lightrock Power take ecology seriously. We have partnerships with both the RSPB and Buglife, who advise us on how to achieve the best gain for local wildlife.

    We also work with other wildlife organisations where relevant, such as the Wildlife Trusts and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

    If you would like to talk to us about local wildlife please contact us.

  • The final technology hasn’t been confirmed. As battery technology progresses quickly we’ll remain flexible to ensure the safest and most efficient outcome for the space that we have.

  • BESS forms part of the pathway to a green economy. BESS systems helpfully store electricity during times of lower demand, so that it doesn’t go to waste. They then release it to the grid when its needed. Without BESS, electricity generated by solar farms could only be used during daylight, and wind farms only when there were wind.

  • Our application will be submitted with a Transport Statement and Construction Traffic Management Plan.

    Whilst we would ensure that our contractors were operating responsibility, we would be legally obliged to repair any damage they caused to roads during construction.

  • A condition of gaining planning permission would be that the land is returned to its original condition at the end of our lease. Money is set aside to ensure this can happen.

  • Surveys and reports are produced alongside our community consultation process, because we like to engage with the community early in the planning process. This allows the communities we join to have some input in to our final design.

    All surveys and reports are accessible to the public for scrutiny once the planning application has been submitted, and even at that late stage our design remains flexible.

    We want to be transparent – get in touch if there is a particular aspect of our plan that you would like further information on.

  • No. One of the great things is that renewables can now be cheaper than other forms of generation without subsidy.