Residents of the small North Yorkshire village of Scotton, with a population of around 700, have expressed significant concerns over proposed lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS) planned near a primary school, nursery, and sports facilities. The proposed sites are part of a larger development that includes a 266-acre solar farm, positioned close to community areas such as a cricket pitch and a junior football club.
The plans involve two separate BESS facilities, one from BOOM Power and another from Harmony, located less than 200 yards from Scotton Lingerfield Primary School. This proximity has led to fears among parents and villagers about potential safety hazards, particularly given the history of incidents related to lithium-ion batteries, which have known risks of fires and explosions.
Local resident Lee Gardner, who resides in Scotton with his wife and two daughters, highlighted concerns raised by his daughter Evie, 10, a pupil at the primary school. Gardner expressed disbelief at the decision to place such a facility in close proximity to where children play and learn, stating, “It’s preposterous to have this here. Why can’t they do it by a motorway or have panels on the roofs of new houses?”
The apprehension is amplified by the nature of lithium-ion battery technology. Incidents involving thermal runaway—a condition that can lead to extreme heat and potential explosions—have raised alarms, especially with four major fires reported in the UK alone and about 95 globally. The National Fire Chiefs Council advocates for a "controlled burn" approach during incidents, as lithium-ion fires do not require oxygen to escalate and can produce toxic gases.
Pete Roberts, another concerned resident, underscored the dangers posed by placing a facility akin to a power station in such close proximity to vulnerable groups. “Potentially we are putting at risk hundreds of children," he stated, articulating fears of what could happen in the event of an accident.
Professor Paul Christensen, a specialist in battery technology from Newcastle University, noted the lack of regulations governing the safety of BESS in the UK. He called for a distance of at least one kilometre between such installations and primary schools, alongside thorough assessments of potential hazards. He stated, “There is a complete lack of understanding of the risks and hazards of lithium-ion batteries amongst planners," adding that current guidelines are inadequate.
Frustrations within the community have also been directed towards the planning process. Richard Tallis, a long-time resident, remarked on the influence of financial interests in the push for renewable energy projects. “Ed Miliband is on a Net Zero crusade and there is all this public money in a pot that these companies are going for,” he said. There are widespread sentiments among villagers that their objections might be ignored by local planners and the government.
Local MP Tom Gordon has acknowledged the community’s concerns. He is currently reaching out to constituents regarding the proposals and emphasised the need for any developments to address local safety and environmental issues robustly. He mentioned, “While I support efforts to boost our energy security through renewables, it’s vital that local communities see clear and lasting benefits.”
The ongoing debate encapsulates the tension between advancing clean energy initiatives and ensuring community safety, highlighting the complexities of such developments in rural settings. Residents await further developments as the planning process unfolds, with a clear need for transparent dialogue and thorough assessments of risks associated with the proposed BESS sites.
Source: Noah Wire Services