Frequently Asked Questions

Installing a grid-scale BESS requires planning consent, with rules varying across the UK. In England and Wales, local planning authorities make decisions on BESS installations. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, approval depends on the system’s capacity and is granted either by ministers or local authorities. Additionally, depending on its size, a BESS may need a generating licence, issued by Ofgem in Great Britain and by the Utility Regulator in Northern Ireland. 

The government requires that BESS installations be covered by a robust regulatory framework. Guidance published in August 2023 encourages developers and local planning authorities in England to consult their local fire and rescue service in preparing and deciding on planning applications for BESS.

There has been one documented incident of a BESS fire in the UK. While lithium-ion battery fires have gained media attention, the technology’s overall safety record is strong and continually improving.

Safety management in lithium-ion energy storage systems involves multiple layers of protection to prevent hazards. The Statkraft approach goes above and beyond the regulatory requirements, where the most stringent country The primary layer is monitoring via battery management systems (BMS), which track vital data, like the voltage, temperature and current of each cell. Operating autonomously, the BMS can reduce or disconnect power when abnormalities are detected, ensuring reliability and preventing risks. It also predicts potential issues by assessing the health of individual cells, allowing operators to perform maintenance and keep the system ready to deliver power safely when necessary. 

Statkraft’s battery projects have robust fire protection systems. Exact solutions vary depending on the supplier, but they may typically involve a non-toxic inert gas, such as argon, or a fire-suppressing foam being pumped into a battery container to cut off the supply of oxygen to the fire. Batteries and other equipment are separated by buffer zones to prevent fires from spreading. Fire safety plans are placed with local fire services. 

BESS planning applications include a Drainage Impact Assessment, with the provision of sustainable drainage measures. 

Sites are fenced off using high-security fencing of a minimum of 2.4 m in height. We consult with local councils on the colour of the fencing, ensuring it blends in with the natural landscape and any adjacent substations. 

If you are a local business, there will be an opportunity to register your interest on our website. We work with groups such as the Chamber of Commerce to maximise opportunities for local suppliers.