Gretna Green | Battery Energy Storage System

We have now submitted our application to the Energy Consents Unit.

Thank you to everyone who attended our public consultation events and provided comments on our proposals. To view the application, please click the link here.

If you would like to make representations to the ECU on the proposals, please follow the instructions below:

  1. Click the link above to go to the application (ECU Reference: ECU00004986).

  2. Click the ‘Representation’ tab on the ECU webpage.

  3. In order to make a representation, you must be registered/logged in. Once you have logged in, please follow the instructions on the ECU webpage to make a comment.

What are we proposing?

Gresham House Devco Pipeline Ltd are preparing proposals for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site on land south of Gretna 400KV substation, Gretna Green, DG16 5HR. The BESS will have a storage capacity of up to 456MW.

The BESS infrastructure will connect to the neighbouring substation. The infrastructure will include battery energy storage containers, PCS (inverter-transformer), grid connection infrastructure, access tracks, and safety and security measures, including Security gates and Closed- Circuit Television (CCTV).

Landscaping including generous biodiversity enhancements are proposed to screen the development, and minimise impact on its surroundings.

Why does Scotland need BESS?

Energy storage is a crucial technology that holds particular significance for Scotland. The Scottish Energy and Climate Change Directorate, in its Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan (January 2023), has emphasised the importance of battery storage for Scotland.

This focus aligns with the broader goals outlined in the “British Energy Security Strategy” published in April 2022, which seeks to transition the UK away from fossil fuels towards clean energy.

Energy storage plays a key role in making renewable energy sources more reliable and efficient, especially as we transition to smaller, intermittent power generations systems.

Proposal Overview

The site is located on land south of Gretna 400KV substation, Gretna Green, DG16 5HR. The red line area of the Site covers approximately 10.9 hectares (26.9 acres) of land, although this includes open areas and new landscape planting. The BESS will therefore not occupy the entirety of the red line site area.

Following the consultation events, we have updated our site layout plan. Please see the new site layout plan to the right.

Energy Security for Dumfries and Galloway

Gretna Green BESS will reinforce Scottish Power infrastructure, by offering backup power and stabilising services and securing energy provision and preventing blackouts.

Gretna Green BESS will have a storage capacity of up to 456 MW of electricity, which helps to maintain grid stability and secure the power supply for thousands of UK family homes while supporting the local transition to Net Zero through low carbon infrastructure.

The Scottish Government has set a target within The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. National Grid stated that batteries are required to ensure that energy generated by renewables can be stored when it
is not required, and then used when it is, as well as to provide power quality services as traditional generation is phased down. Dumfries and Galloway Council declared a climate emergency in June 2019, stating:

“Gresham House can help to play a part in providing these vital batteries. Gretna Green BESS will assist the Council in reaching its net zero goal of 2025, and leading on the transition to cleaner and greener technologies.”

Thank you to everyone who attended our public consultation events

We have listened

Following the first consultation event on Tuesday 7th November, we received a number of comments from members of the local community. These focussed on the construction access route, road safety, noise impacts and biodiversity enhancements. We have added some of the most frequently asked questions to our FAQs tab below.

We have updated the scheme layout to be fire risk compliant, provide a surface water drainage scheme and install an acoustic barrier, which will mitigate the anticipated noise produced by the BESS infrastructure. This will be further enhanced by proposed biodiversity enhancements around the edge of the site, which may include hedgerows and native tree planting to effectively screen the site.

Documents

If you would like to download any of our consultation documents, please find them via the links here.

Project Timeline

November 2023

Pre-Submission Consultation

End of 2023

Finalise Proposed Design

Early 2024

Submit Planning Application

End of 2024

Planning Decision

End of 2025

Operational

FAQs

  • Battery energy storage sites typically do not create sounds louder than the natural background noise. A thorough noise evaluation is being completed for this site. To further reduce any potential noise, the project plan

    will include various noise mitigation measures, including the possibility of acoustic fencing and green borders, such as native tree or hedge planting.

  • The battery enclosures are meticulously designed to ensure safe operation throughout the entire project’s duration. Enhanced safety features, such as ongoing monitoring of individual battery cells, are implemented to quickly address any possible issues and maintain the highest level of safety.

    Battery energy storage systems are engineered to meet strict safety guidelines set by international regulatory organisations like the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). These comprehensive standards cover all aspects of battery storage systems, including installation, operation, and maintenance, to guarantee full compliance with the most rigorous safety standards.

    The battery containers will also be distanced from one another, and remotely monitored to ensure immediate shut down in case of an emergency.

  • The BESS is a temporary development and will not change the land classification. When the BESS has been decommissioned, the consent will require the land to be restored to its previous purpose as agricultural land.

    Temporary development consent ensures that the land will not be classed as ‘brownfield’ after decommissioning.

  • We have secured a grid connection agreement with Scottish Power Transmissions to connect to the adjacent substation and the timing will be subject to securing planning permission and our confirmation of the construction programme.

  • The Lithium-Ion batteries that will be used in the project are not reliant on scarce raw materials. There are established recycling processes for recovering the most common elements used in battery construction - cobalt, nickel, lithium and manganese - for re-use.

  • Once the BESS facility is operational, it will maintain a minimal presence, primarily necessitating occasional visits for operations and maintenance. The only period that might potentially affect traffic is during the temporary construction phase.

    During the construction of the BESS facility, traffic will be effectively managed through a Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP). This plan will incorporate measures such as an HGV booking system and time- based restrictions for traffic arrivals on-site, with the aim of preventing local network disruptions during peak times, like rush hours and school drop-off or pickup times. In preparation for the planning submission, local input on additional measures to minimise impact is highly encouraged.

  • We have prepared a board on the swept path of the construction route, which indicates the possibility for a 16.5, long HGV to get over the narrow Sark Bridge. The possibility of creating passing places along this road are also being explored.

    Further, we will ensure that HGVs are not using the roads around the site at peak usage times, such as during rush hour or the school run, to ensure safety for local residents.

  • Once the proposal receives consent, the project team will engage with Transport Scotland regarding the proposed access route. Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) will be put in place which will detail further the usage terms of any access roads.

About Us

Gresham House is a specialist alternative asset management group with a strong sustainability focus in battery energy storage, renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and forestry. With origins dating back to 1857, we are committed to long-term investments in a greener future.

Gresham House New Energy, our clean energy division, oversees the development of battery energy storage facilities. Our strategy supports the transition from finite resources to renewable energy. With a proven track record, our team manages over 2,500MW in renewable energy and battery storage assets, including the UK's largest battery energy storage fund, GRID, operating 600MW across 21 sites.

For more information visit: www.greshamhouse.com

We value your input and feedback in shaping this project proposal. Thank you.

Contact

This website forms part of our pre-planning application process.

We would be grateful if you could fill out the feedback form below and let us have your contact details for the purpose of informing the project design and our planning application.

For further information, please do not hesitate to email feedback@gretnabess.co.uk

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