Anger and worries over plans for battery gigafactory near Newport

Yahoo

28-05-2025

Plans to turn the old Uskmouth B power station in Newport into a major battery storage site have sparked heated debate among residents.
The former coal-fired station, located south of the city near Nash, is set for a major transformation.
Developers Simec Atlantis Energy and the Cardiff Capital Region announced an £8.5 million loan on top of £56.5 million private investment.
They say the battery site could create more than 500 jobs and boost Newport's economy, while helping the city meet climate targets.
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But many local people are far from convinced.
The project has faced a strong backlash online, with concerns about jobs, environmental impact, and safety risks dominating the discussion.
On Facebook, Karen Fulker said: "They will be jobs for European workers as the energy companies bring them over. Fires are a serious concern with these facilities and becoming more and more common . Sadly all of the green land surrounding this , writhing cabling distance, will be covered in solar power stations.
"There are many applications already in on the Gwent Levels and SSSI , destroying wildlife and habitat forever . We need renewable energy but not at these huge costs , the right thing in the right places .
"The hundreds of jobs that COULD be created will not be for local people . This government is hell bent on trying to meet net zero at any cost , Welsh Government legislation recently released states that SSSI , arable land and the Gwent Levels must be protected so which is it?"
Others are worried about the risks of battery technology.
One person said: "Battery energy storage systems can pose significant risks, including:
"1. Toxic Emissions: Fires can release harmful gases and pollutants, endangering the health of nearby residents and first responders.
"2. Environmental Contamination: The materials in batteries can leak into the environment, contaminating soil and water sources and causing long-term ecological damage.
"3. Thermal Runaway: A failure in one battery cell can lead to thermal runaway, potentially igniting nearby cells and resulting in uncontrollable fires.
"4. Infrastructure Damage: Fires can cause extensive damage to the facility and surrounding infrastructure, leading to costly repairs and disruptions in energy supply.
"These risks highlight the need for stringent safety measures in the operation of battery energy storage systems"
Flood risk was another concern.
One person noted: "Since Newport is going to become one of the largest BESS [Battery Energy Storage System] companies in the UK, it sounds as though we're the experiment for the overall safety of these systems.
"Also, it's based near the sea, on flood plains! Water moisture can enter a BESS (Battery Energy Storage System), and it can pose significant risks, including corrosion, increased fire hazard, and reduced battery lifespan.
"BESS containers are designed to be water-resistant, but complete waterproofing is not always achievable, and certain conditions can allow moisture to penetrate."
"Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable living nearby, as the challenges involved in extinguishing a battery storage fire is very difficult."
Not everyone is against the idea.
Stephen Christopher Bush said: "If we don't invest in technology like this, the Gwent levels we be destroyed by global warming."
Boy Neath echoed environmental concerns, saying protecting wildlife should come first.
However, some remain deeply sceptical about the technology.
Another said: "It is technically impossible to store meaningful amounts of electricity in batteries.
"Thus, the entire project is mainstream window dressing to make people believe that switching off all carbon-based power sources would be feasible without serious human casualties.
"In short, this project is more madness of the 'green' agenda."
The debate shows no sign of cooling, as the city weighs the future of its industrial past and its green ambitions.