Glenniston Solar Farm & Battery Storage Project

Solar technologies capture solar radiation from the sun and turn it into useful forms of energy. Photovoltaic (PV) panels comprise several PV cells (which typically produce 1-2 watts of power each) with a whole panel typically producing 250-500 watts depending on the make and model. These PV cells are made of different semiconductor materials, such as silicone, and are sandwiched between protective materials in a combination of glass and / or plastics. When a photon of light from the sun strikes the semiconductor material, it displaces charged particles known as electrons and creates an electrical current. This Direct Current (DC) electricity is then able to be extracted via conductive metal contacts and converted to Alternating Current (AC) electricity via inverters for transmission via the National Grid network.

The construction period is expected to take approximately 10 months, and during this time there will be deliveries of equipment to the site. However, the heavy construction period which generates the most traffic is only expected to last 6 months. To manage the potential impacts, Renewco Power and Locogen have put in place measures to control construction traffic and minimise disruption to local roads. The proposed measures are detailed in the Outline Construction Phase Traffic Management Plan included in the Transport Assessment submitted with the planning application.

If consented, the Glenniston Solar Farm & Battery Storage project will be subject to a planning condition restricting the total length of the operational period to a maximum of 40 years. At the end of this period, the project will be required to be fully decommissioned, and the land reinstated to its pre-existing condition as agricultural land to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority. The details of these decommissioning activities will be secured via a Decommissioning Plan to be submitted for the Council’s approval before the end of the project’s lifespan.

A desktop Noise Impact Assessment has been carried out and a report submitted as part of the planning application. This report concludes that the operational noise from the project would be low in absolute terms and would comply with the proposed noise limits during all periods of the day and night. The noise from the facility is not expected to be audible and the resultant impact across all receptor locations has been assessed as being low. Nevertheless, the final proposals do include acoustic screening to the south of the battery storage equipment to ensure there is no adverse impact on nearby residents.

The battery storage system is designed to have a very low risk of failure. However, in the unlikely event that a failure should occur, monitoring equipment including fire detection and fire prevention systems will be installed within the containerised battery units to ensure that any fires remain under control. The site access will also be designed to ensure that fire appliances can safely access and egress the site. Renewco Power and Locogen will continue to monitor industry best practice to ensure that the highest standards of safety are maintained for these units.