Great Roseveth BESS

Frequently Asked Questions

Battery Energy Storage System
Key components in the proposed development
Natural Environment

Battery Energy Storage System

 

How does Standalone Battery Storage System work?

The purpose of a battery storage system is to store electricity that has been generated from various means, principally from intermittent renewable sources, so that it can be stored and then exported back to the grid at times of high demand/low generation. As the electricity that is generated from renewable sources is subject to peaks and troughs, depending on climatic conditions, the system is able to store electricity when generation is high and then supply energy when less electricity is being generated or when there are additional or higher demands on the grid.  

The UK and Scottish Governments are committed to a rapid transition towards a zero-carbon economy; a significant expansion in low carbon electricity generation is a key part of the Governments’ energy strategy. Consequences of this expansion include changes to the daily electricity demand and supply pattern; an increasingly volatile generation mix and greater issues with geographical concentration of generation. Transmission network constraints occur when network infrastructure limits the ability of the network to transmit all the available power to where it is needed. 

  

There is a growing need for technologies that can respond quickly to balance generation and load in the system. This is to ensure grid stability and security of supply, ultimately avoiding the need for extreme demand-reduction measures, which can include blackouts. 

  

Battery storage offers an efficient and responsive solution to actively manage grid demands by storing surplus electricity for distributing back to the grid in times of peak demand. This system caters for the inherent intermittency of renewable energy sources, helping to balance transmission requirements and Lithium-ion battery storage is currently the most suitable technology. 

 

Benefits of battery storage system 

  • There is a strong case for additional battery storage, and it will provide benefits for both the system and local network: 

  

  • Battery storage is a key enabler of net zero. The electricity system needs to be fully zero carbon to reach our net zero targets, and battery storage is a source of clean, flexible capacity. National Grid has forecast GB needs more than 50GW of battery storage by 2050, up from around 2.4GW today. 

  

  • It provides a range of balancing services. National Grid spent £2.65 billion on system services to keep the electricity system in balance in 2021, and these costs are passed through to consumers. Battery storage gives National Grid additional sources for these balancing services, helping bring down costs and support the operation of the grid. 

  

  • It helps manage the volatility of renewables. With increasing renewable energy, the more variable the energy system becomes, and battery storage is uniquely placed to help manage this volatility by storing excess renewable energy and using this to deliver energy to the grid when the system is in need. 

  

  • It can provide locational benefits. Battery storage can provide local system services to distribution network operators to help manage the local grid, bringing down costs for consumers in that region. 

Other benefits include: 

  • Battery storage systems do not produce any pollution or emissions 
  • Efficient use of existing national infrastructure 
  • The construction phase will result in job creation and increased expenditure in local shops, restaurants/cafes and hotels; and 
  • The maintenance of the site will generate further opportunities for employment. 
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Key components in the proposed development


Battery storage system

The proposed battery storage system will be made up, principally, 80 battery storage containers, 40inverter/Power Control System (PCS) containers (comprising of transformer/inverters/monitoring systems), palisade and wooden fencing, parking facilities for limited maintenance vehicles and CCTV monitoring system. The battery storage containers dimensions will typically be 12.2m x 2.44m x rising to 3.1m and the PCS containers typically ranging from 7-10m x 2.2 -3m rising to 3m in height. 

Grid Connection

The proposed battery storage system will require a Distribution and client-side substation to connect to the distribution network via the onsite over headline

 

Access Track

A 5 m wide permeable access track will be installed to provide access to the compound. 

 

Fencing

A 2.4m palisade security fence and double gates will be erected around the site for health, safety and insurance purposes. 

 

CCTV

A series of CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the site. The CCTV arrangements are based on infrared technology so no lighting will be required at night-time. 

 

 

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Natural Environment

 

Landscape

A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees will be retained as part of the development.  

  

Our objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. Battery storage system developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the 50-year lifetime of the development.  Existing hedgerows and vegetation are retained for the most part and additional site-specific measures will be included in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the site.  These measures combined enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity. 

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Local & National Energy Targets
Public Consultation Process
Key Project Details

Local & National Energy Targets

The UK’s energy sector is currently experiencing a rapid change in response to efforts to address commitments and policies on tackling climate change. In June 2019 the UK became the first major economy in the world to pass laws to end its contribution to global warming by 2050. The Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019 sets a legally binding target to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. 

 

The explicit need to introduce a step change in how the country deals with climate change has been recognised by the UK Government. On 1 May 2019 an Environmental and Climate Change Emergency was declared.  

 

The fast-changing energy landscape coupled with an increasing reliance on renewable energy generation equates to a system of high grid frequency volatility. The UK is therefore facing a requirement to address our future energy demands and implement a power network that is fit for purpose. 

 

In November 2023, the Department for Business and Trade published the UK Battery Strategy which identifies that the use of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) will enable a system that supports decarbonisation. 

 

A BESS is referred to by the National Grid as a ‘balancing service’ that will assist the operation of the grid in balancing electrical frequency at times of system stress to help ensure that there is a reliable and constant supply of electricity.  

 

Cornwall Council has pledged to reduce its own carbon impact to zero. The Council has set a clear overarching mission to work with communities for a carbon neutral Cornwall. These objectives are supported by Local Plan policies and a Climate Emergency Development Plan Document (2023). 

    

The proposed BESS development at Great Roseveth will help facilitate a reliable and constant supply of electricity, accelerate decarbonisation, achieve energy targets set at both the national and local levels, and contribute to the drive to combat climate change.  

CLOSE

Public Consultation Process

Engaging with our host communities will be vital to the success of this carbon-saving facility. We would like to hear your views on the proposal and how it might benefit not only the wider environment but its immediate surroundings.

 

We would like to invite you to complete the survey provided on this website. This will help us understand your views on renewable energy and will give you a chance to suggest how the development can best be made to work for the good of the community. 

  

A community digital consultation is ongoing via this website where you are able to make comment on the proposals directly to us via the survey provided or via email. These comments must be submitted no later than 8th December.

CLOSE

Key Project Details

 

Site Location

The site is approximately 650m southwest of the village of Shortlanesend, 1.6km west of the village of Tregavethan and 3.5km northwest of Truro.

 

Size of the Site

The red line boundary is 4 ha and the likely developable area will be approximately 1.5 ha/3.6 acres once areas of landscaping and enhancement have been designed. This is subject to the final design.

 

Temporary Development

Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 50 years. 

 

Site Access

The site will be accessed for construction from Tregavethan Road to the south of the site.  

 

Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic

During the construction period, which is estimated to take approximately 16 weeks, delivery vehicles and construction staff will make vehicular trips to the site. Most of the deliveries will be undertaken by HGV. It is envisaged that over the busiest construction period there will be an average of 2 HGV movements (1 arrivals and 1 departures) per day. During the 50-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 2 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.

 

Decommissioning the site

At the end of the proposed 50-year operational period, the battery storage system and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority. 

It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed Great Roseveth Energy Storage project will take approximately 4 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:  

  • Disconnecting and removal of all wiring, cables and electrical interconnections; 
  • Dismantling and removal of the battery storage infrastructure; 
  • Dismantling and removal of the in ground support structures; 
  • Removal of fences and gates;  
  • Reinstatement of land affected in accordance with best practice; and 
  • Where possible, all of the proposed components will be removed and reused or recycled. Where this is not possible, any waste generated during decommissioning will be removed and transported by a certified and licensed contractor. 

 

Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings

The battery storage system would have a capacity of approximately 129.9MW. 

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Health and safety issues

Health and safety issues

 

Noise

Each battery container and inverter station will contain a small fan that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size & rating, these would be away for sensitive noise receptors and the project will be complaint with the noise limits set by the Council. 

 

Emissions

No greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted by the development. 

 

Is there an increased risk of flooding around battery storage system?

Given the small scale size of the project there is no increase in surface water runoff and therefore no significant increase in the risk of flooding as little impermeable hard surfacing is required.

 

Use of Agricultural Land

The proposed site is located within agricultural farmland and is predominantly used for deer cultivation. An Agricultural Land Classification has been performed and the site has been classified as Grade 4 and grade 3b land and is therefore not within the best and most versatile classification for agriculture.  

 

CLOSE
Battery Energy Storage System

Battery Energy Storage System

 

How does Standalone Battery Storage System work?

The purpose of a battery storage system is to store electricity that has been generated from various means, principally from intermittent renewable sources, so that it can be stored and then exported back to the grid at times of high demand/low generation. As the electricity that is generated from renewable sources is subject to peaks and troughs, depending on climatic conditions, the system is able to store electricity when generation is high and then supply energy when less electricity is being generated or when there are additional or higher demands on the grid.  

The UK and Scottish Governments are committed to a rapid transition towards a zero-carbon economy; a significant expansion in low carbon electricity generation is a key part of the Governments’ energy strategy. Consequences of this expansion include changes to the daily electricity demand and supply pattern; an increasingly volatile generation mix and greater issues with geographical concentration of generation. Transmission network constraints occur when network infrastructure limits the ability of the network to transmit all the available power to where it is needed. 

  

There is a growing need for technologies that can respond quickly to balance generation and load in the system. This is to ensure grid stability and security of supply, ultimately avoiding the need for extreme demand-reduction measures, which can include blackouts. 

  

Battery storage offers an efficient and responsive solution to actively manage grid demands by storing surplus electricity for distributing back to the grid in times of peak demand. This system caters for the inherent intermittency of renewable energy sources, helping to balance transmission requirements and Lithium-ion battery storage is currently the most suitable technology. 

 

Benefits of battery storage system 

  • There is a strong case for additional battery storage, and it will provide benefits for both the system and local network: 

  

  • Battery storage is a key enabler of net zero. The electricity system needs to be fully zero carbon to reach our net zero targets, and battery storage is a source of clean, flexible capacity. National Grid has forecast GB needs more than 50GW of battery storage by 2050, up from around 2.4GW today. 

  

  • It provides a range of balancing services. National Grid spent £2.65 billion on system services to keep the electricity system in balance in 2021, and these costs are passed through to consumers. Battery storage gives National Grid additional sources for these balancing services, helping bring down costs and support the operation of the grid. 

  

  • It helps manage the volatility of renewables. With increasing renewable energy, the more variable the energy system becomes, and battery storage is uniquely placed to help manage this volatility by storing excess renewable energy and using this to deliver energy to the grid when the system is in need. 

  

  • It can provide locational benefits. Battery storage can provide local system services to distribution network operators to help manage the local grid, bringing down costs for consumers in that region. 

Other benefits include: 

  • Battery storage systems do not produce any pollution or emissions 
  • Efficient use of existing national infrastructure 
  • The construction phase will result in job creation and increased expenditure in local shops, restaurants/cafes and hotels; and 
  • The maintenance of the site will generate further opportunities for employment. 
CLOSE
Key components in the proposed development

Key components in the proposed development


Battery storage system

The proposed battery storage system will be made up, principally, 80 battery storage containers, 40inverter/Power Control System (PCS) containers (comprising of transformer/inverters/monitoring systems), palisade and wooden fencing, parking facilities for limited maintenance vehicles and CCTV monitoring system. The battery storage containers dimensions will typically be 12.2m x 2.44m x rising to 3.1m and the PCS containers typically ranging from 7-10m x 2.2 -3m rising to 3m in height. 

Grid Connection

The proposed battery storage system will require a Distribution and client-side substation to connect to the distribution network via the onsite over headline

 

Access Track

A 5 m wide permeable access track will be installed to provide access to the compound. 

 

Fencing

A 2.4m palisade security fence and double gates will be erected around the site for health, safety and insurance purposes. 

 

CCTV

A series of CCTV cameras will be installed throughout the site. The CCTV arrangements are based on infrared technology so no lighting will be required at night-time. 

 

 

CLOSE
Natural Environment

Natural Environment

 

Landscape

A full landscape appraisal will form part of the planning application. Appropriate boundary planting, together with the retention and protection of existing hedgerows would soften the boundaries of the site to assist the projects integration into the landscape. Trees will be retained as part of the development.  

  

Our objective is always to mitigate any potential impacts on wildlife and habitats. Battery storage system developments encourage biodiversity as they are tranquil sites that do not require heavy machinery or intensive farming for maintenance over the 50-year lifetime of the development.  Existing hedgerows and vegetation are retained for the most part and additional site-specific measures will be included in a Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for the site.  These measures combined enable local flora & fauna to flourish in the surrounding area thus increasing biodiversity. 

CLOSE
Local & National Energy Targets

Local & National Energy Targets

The UK’s energy sector is currently experiencing a rapid change in response to efforts to address commitments and policies on tackling climate change. In June 2019 the UK became the first major economy in the world to pass laws to end its contribution to global warming by 2050. The Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019 sets a legally binding target to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. 

 

The explicit need to introduce a step change in how the country deals with climate change has been recognised by the UK Government. On 1 May 2019 an Environmental and Climate Change Emergency was declared.  

 

The fast-changing energy landscape coupled with an increasing reliance on renewable energy generation equates to a system of high grid frequency volatility. The UK is therefore facing a requirement to address our future energy demands and implement a power network that is fit for purpose. 

 

In November 2023, the Department for Business and Trade published the UK Battery Strategy which identifies that the use of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) will enable a system that supports decarbonisation. 

 

A BESS is referred to by the National Grid as a ‘balancing service’ that will assist the operation of the grid in balancing electrical frequency at times of system stress to help ensure that there is a reliable and constant supply of electricity.  

 

Cornwall Council has pledged to reduce its own carbon impact to zero. The Council has set a clear overarching mission to work with communities for a carbon neutral Cornwall. These objectives are supported by Local Plan policies and a Climate Emergency Development Plan Document (2023). 

    

The proposed BESS development at Great Roseveth will help facilitate a reliable and constant supply of electricity, accelerate decarbonisation, achieve energy targets set at both the national and local levels, and contribute to the drive to combat climate change.  

CLOSE
Public Consultation Process

Public Consultation Process

Engaging with our host communities will be vital to the success of this carbon-saving facility. We would like to hear your views on the proposal and how it might benefit not only the wider environment but its immediate surroundings.

 

We would like to invite you to complete the survey provided on this website. This will help us understand your views on renewable energy and will give you a chance to suggest how the development can best be made to work for the good of the community. 

  

A community digital consultation is ongoing via this website where you are able to make comment on the proposals directly to us via the survey provided or via email. These comments must be submitted no later than 8th December.

CLOSE
Key Project Details

Key Project Details

 

Site Location

The site is approximately 650m southwest of the village of Shortlanesend, 1.6km west of the village of Tregavethan and 3.5km northwest of Truro.

 

Size of the Site

The red line boundary is 4 ha and the likely developable area will be approximately 1.5 ha/3.6 acres once areas of landscaping and enhancement have been designed. This is subject to the final design.

 

Temporary Development

Planning permission is being sought for the development with an operational period of 50 years. 

 

Site Access

The site will be accessed for construction from Tregavethan Road to the south of the site.  

 

Construction Period, Construction & Operational Traffic

During the construction period, which is estimated to take approximately 16 weeks, delivery vehicles and construction staff will make vehicular trips to the site. Most of the deliveries will be undertaken by HGV. It is envisaged that over the busiest construction period there will be an average of 2 HGV movements (1 arrivals and 1 departures) per day. During the 50-year operational life of the project it is envisaged that in addition to average traffic there will be, on average, 2 vehicle movements (car/van) per month related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the installation.

 

Decommissioning the site

At the end of the proposed 50-year operational period, the battery storage system and its ancillary equipment will be decommissioned, dismantled and removed and the site fully reinstated to the satisfaction of the local planning authority. 

It is estimated that decommissioning of the proposed Great Roseveth Energy Storage project will take approximately 4 months to complete. Subject to best practice at the time, it is anticipated that decommissioning will involve:  

  • Disconnecting and removal of all wiring, cables and electrical interconnections; 
  • Dismantling and removal of the battery storage infrastructure; 
  • Dismantling and removal of the in ground support structures; 
  • Removal of fences and gates;  
  • Reinstatement of land affected in accordance with best practice; and 
  • Where possible, all of the proposed components will be removed and reused or recycled. Where this is not possible, any waste generated during decommissioning will be removed and transported by a certified and licensed contractor. 

 

Generating Capacity & CO2 Savings

The battery storage system would have a capacity of approximately 129.9MW. 

CLOSE
Health and safety issues

Health and safety issues

 

Noise

Each battery container and inverter station will contain a small fan that is similar to a domestic bathroom fan in both size & rating, these would be away for sensitive noise receptors and the project will be complaint with the noise limits set by the Council. 

 

Emissions

No greenhouse gas emissions will be emitted by the development. 

 

Is there an increased risk of flooding around battery storage system?

Given the small scale size of the project there is no increase in surface water runoff and therefore no significant increase in the risk of flooding as little impermeable hard surfacing is required.

 

Use of Agricultural Land

The proposed site is located within agricultural farmland and is predominantly used for deer cultivation. An Agricultural Land Classification has been performed and the site has been classified as Grade 4 and grade 3b land and is therefore not within the best and most versatile classification for agriculture.  

 

CLOSE