Oxford professors join opposition of battery storage site

Glasgow Times

5 days ago

A Clydebank councillor, together with local campaigners and academics from the University of Oxford, has submitted formal objections to the proposed Battery Energy Storage Site (BESS) at Braidfield Farm.
After initial concerns were raised over the plan for a 100 MW Energy Storage facility submitted by Intelligent Land Investments Limited (ILI), Councillor William Rooney reached out to professors Peter Dobson and Peter Edwards at the University of Oxford.
The proposals are being considered by the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit (ECU) and have received, to date, a total of 315 public representations have been submitted, 24 in support and 291 in objection.
In addition, an online petition titled Say NO to battery storage facility in Braidfield, Clydebank has gathered more than 1,360 signatures.
William Rooney, Kilpatrick Councillor, said: 'I find it deeply unsettling that the site is located less than a quarter of a mile from local businesses, residential areas and St Peter the Apostle High School.
'I'm encouraged to see our concerns legitimised by renowned experts from the University of Oxford.
'It's clear that regulations are not keeping pace with technology. I'm worried that if this isn't addressed, it could lead to a serious incident.'
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Proposals for the site. (Image: Newsquest staff) Professors Peter Dobson and Peter Edwards claim that the consultation from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) had "many flaws" and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was "simply complacent" in their response.
Additionally, they suggest that the plan should fall under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations due to the supposed instability of lithium-ion batteries.
(Image: Supplied)
The ILI Group, in response, have said that if the Health and Safety Executive raised any concerns at all in relation to this development, then they "simply would not proceed."
SEPA say they do not have a remit to regulate BESS site operation; however, they are a statutory consultee in the application.
Craig Hughes, a local campaigner against the site, said: "If this is approved by the Scottish Government, then expect two years of traffic disruption on Kilbowie Road and Hardgate due to a construction traffic management plan involving slow-moving vehicles.
'Not to mention the extensive roadworks between Hardgate and Windyhill substation, which will involve digging up miles and miles of roads to lay the cables'.
'If you think the traffic is chaotic now, brace yourself.'
In regard to traffic concerns and community disruption, the ILI Group say that the council's road department raised no objections.
They say they are "committed" to working closely with West Dunbartonshire Council and relevant transport authorities to implement a Construction Traffic Management Plan when traffic is higher than usual towards the end of the construction period.
West Dunbartonshire Council planning committee is expected to be discussing a report in August as a statutory consultee.
A spokesperson from ILI Group said: "We acknowledge the objections raised by local representatives, campaigners, and academics regarding the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Clydebank, and we appreciate the opportunity to address these concerns directly and constructively.
"The UK Government has reviewed the regulatory framework for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facilities recently, and specifically at the suggestion of academics, into whether these should be included under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations.
"The government, along with the Health and Safety Executive, concluded that it did not."
The spokesperson continued: "ILI said at the outset that if the Health and Safety Executive raised any concerns at all in relation to this development, then we simply would not proceed. In fact, this important regulatory body has been consulted by the Scottish Government for this proposed development and raised 'no objection'."
A spokesperson for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) said: 'SEPA provides independent and evidence-based advice directly to planning authorities and Scottish Ministers to inform their decisions.
'Our remit with regards to BESS sites is limited to our role as a statutory consultee at planning stage and our role in regulating construction, water discharges and abstractions.
'We have published information and advice on various matters which relate to our remit. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) do not fall within the Pollution Prevention and Control (PPC) regulations or Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations.
"This means SEPA does not have a remit to regulate BESS site operation. 'Our consultation response, dated 11 February 2025, covers our regulatory role in regard to pollution prevention and flood risk management. SEPA is a statutory consultee, and the final decision on this application will be taken by the Energy Consents Unit.
'We recognise that there are potential environmental impacts associated with BESS. We will continue to work with planning authorities through the Heads of Planning Groups, directly with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) and with the Scottish Government.'
A HSE spokesperson said: 'Battery energy storage systems are covered by a robust regulatory framework which applies regardless of the size of the facility.
'The fundamental principle of health and safety law is that those who create risks are best placed to control them.
'Designers, installers, and operators all have a duty to ensure this is the case.
'We expect the duty holder to assess the specific situation and implement necessary control measures.'
This is now the second proposed battery storage unit in Clydebank.
In 2023, Green energy firm Apatura lodged plans for a battery storage farm at Cochno Farm in Faifley, on the outskirts of the town.
This proposal remains ongoing.