Your questions, answered

The planning application will be submitted in March 2025 and we will work with the local planning authority to achieve planning consent in Q4 2025. The construction programme begins in July 2026 and is 18 months long. The indicative grid connection date is January 2028.

All construction and operational vehicles will access the site via an existing farm access track off North Cray Road. The core traffic impacts from the development will be during construction. The proposed development will likely result in no more than four Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) movements a day during the construction period. These movements will be for a temporary period (18 months) and set out in a Construction Traffic Management Plan supporting the planning application. During operation, there will be minimal vehicle movements, with 1-2 vehicle (small van) movements expected per month for maintenance purposes. The predicted vehicle movements will be submitted to the Local Planning Authority for approval.

There is a very low risk of an energy storage system catching fire. We only use energy storage systems that have the best in class fire safety performance and comply with fire safety standards. The facility is constantly monitored and in the rare event a fire does occur automatic fire detection and suppression systems will quickly activate. Through careful planning and design the development is designed to comply with the National Fire Chiefs Council guidance including: • Two separate accesses are provided into the compound. • The units are spaced with sufficient distance between them to ensure a fire in one unit does not spread. • Fire hydrants are located throughout the site and two water storage tanks are include for firefighting purposes, if required. • All of the access tracks have been designed to accommodate a fire tender. We also work closely with the local fire and rescue service to implement appropriate emergency response procedures including a fire safety management plan.

Yes, planning permission is sought on a temporary basis (up to 40 years) and planning conditions will ensure that the site is returned to its previous condition. During the operation of the site, the operator will pay into a decommissioning fund which will cover the removal of all infrastructure and restoration of the site to its previous condition. A decommissioning plan will also be conditioned by the Planning Authority which will require their approval.

A Noise Impact Assessment produced by a suitably qualified and experienced independent acoustic specialist, will be submitted to the Local Planning Authority, in support of any application for Planning Permission. This will quantify all noise impacts associated with the development proposed. Any noise generated during the construction phase will be temporary and intermittent in nature. All activities will be in accordance with British Standard 5228 Code of Practice for Noise and Vibration Control on Construction and Open Sites. Once operational, our ESS sites are silent most of the time. The only noise which is emitted, is very limited and only occurs during the time an ESS is charging or discharging, i.e. a maximum of 4hrs in any 24hr period; (2hrs charging and 2hrs discharging). Any noise emitted is further mitigated by the distance which our ESS are located away from sensitive receptors, e.g. residential properties, which we consider during the site selection process. Where required in exceptional cases, mitigation measures, (e.g. acoustic screening) can be specified to ensure there are no adverse impacts resulting from noise.

Yes, as a renewable developer we are committed to ensuring that sustainability is at the core of each project. As such, we seek to use manufacturers and components that comply with European Union Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, which seeks the efficient use of resources, and the retrieval of raw materials through re-use, recycling and other forms of recovery.

Perimeter fencing and gated access keeps the site secure. The site will be unmanned and CCTV is used to monitor activity.