Voltis has submitted a screening request to determine whether an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is necessary for developing a 500 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Buckinghamshire.
Public Consultation Process
The proposed site is located at Mop End Lane, Amersham, and the company is currently conducting an online public consultation on the project, which will run until Monday, January 6.
Project Overview
The BESS will have the capacity to store up to 500 MW of energy generated from renewable sources, such as solar and wind farms, during periods of low demand. This stored energy would then be discharged to balance the energy network when demand peaks, enhancing grid stability and supporting the transition to renewable energy.
Importance of Community Feedback
Voltis emphasizes that all feedback received during the consultation period will be crucial in informing the planning application submitted to Buckinghamshire Council. A representative from Voltis stated, “We are very conscious that the site is located within the Green Belt and the Chilterns National Landscape. This means we will need to demonstrate Very Special Circumstances to justify why a BESS is justified in this location.”
Site Selection Rationale
The chosen site is noted for being “naturally very well-screened and a good distance away from settlements.” The BESS containers will be three meters high, with the sub-station reaching up to seven meters in some areas. Importantly, only about 34% of the site will be utilized for batteries and infrastructure; the remainder will be reserved for access routes, cables, drainage ponds, wildflowers, and an orchard.
Construction Management Plan
In addition to the screening request, Voltis will submit a Construction Transport Management Plan, which must receive council approval before any construction can begin. This plan will outline details such as delivery and working hours, construction traffic routes, and mitigation measures to prevent issues like mud on the roads.
Decommissioning and Restoration
The company has assured that any planning permission granted for the BESS would be temporary. At the end of its operational life, the facility will be decommissioned, and all hardware will be removed, allowing the area to be restored to its original condition.
Expected Impact
If the project proceeds, it is expected to provide green energy for approximately 270,000 homes, significantly contributing to Buckinghamshire’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions.
Sources
- Voltis Official Website
- Buckinghamshire Council Planning Portal
- UK Government Renewable Energy Reports
