How Cumbrian service station plan would help drive forward net zero ambitions
A PROPOSED battery energy storage system (BESS) could be installed at a Cumbrian service station if the plans are approved by Westmorland & Furness Council.
The application is for a site at Westmorland Motorway Services at Tebay and the proposed facility would help with the operation of EV charging points on the southbound side of the M6.
According to a planning statement in November 2020 the Government committed to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 and support the UK's transition to zero emissions vehicles.
It adds: 'Since then, sales of EVs have increased significantly, and it is therefore key that infrastructure to support EVs is in place, particularly on the Strategic Road Network (SRN) whereby longer distances are travelled and remote charging is needed.
'BESS developments are key enablers for our Net Zero future. They provide a more balanced grid network, with the ability to store power from the grid at off peak periods to meet demand to improve energy capacity and reliability, which in this case will facilitate the operation of EV charging spaces and benefit the increasing number of travellers on the SRN.'
According to the report the applicant, Westmorland Limited, is a family-owned Motorway Service Area (MSA) operator of three MSAs: Tebay; Gloucester; and Cairn Lodge.
It states: 'Key to meeting the increasing need for EV charge points on the SRN is having electrical capacity to meet these requirements, particularly in locations, such as Tebay, whereby upgrading the infrastructure can be costly and challenging.
'BESS can provide an immediate solution to providing power for the purpose of EV charging.
'BESS provide a more balanced grid network, with the ability to store power from the grid at off peak periods to meet demand to improve energy capacity and reliability, which in this case will facilitate the operation of EV charging spaces and benefit the increasing number of travellers on the SRN.
'Key concerns relating to uptake of EV are range anxiety, charging times and infrastructure. The proposed development will improve the energy capacity and reliability to support recharging process, which will improve user experience and confidence in EV, therefore, assisting to meet longer term targets of decarbonising all road transport.
'This in turn will lower carbon emissions and assist with the progression towards Net Zero by 2050.'
The application is currently being considered by planning officers at the council.
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