Latest news with #SimecAtlantisEnergy
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Anger and worries over plans for battery gigafactory near Newport
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. Read more New £100 million centre could create 750 jobs in city Business to expand after successful first year in Caerphilly Construction firm helps save 20 tonnes of carbon by donating surplus materials 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.
South Wales Argus
28-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Newport: Uskmouth B power station battery project debate
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. 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.
STV News
29-04-2025
- Business
- STV News
Councillors object to plans for battery storage site near Castle of Mey
Councillors have objected to plans for one of Scotland's largest battery storage sites because it is just two miles from King Charles' beloved Castle of Mey. The battery storage site is set to have the largest capacity in the Highlands and is one of the highest capacity sites in Scotland. It has been allocated 17 football pitches worth of agricultural land in Caithness. Local objectors to the proposal have raised concerns over the environment and tourism impact, as well as the lack of local benefits. Councillors have submitted an objection but council officers warned the objection may not hold up when scrutinised by Scottish Ministers. Developer Simec Atlantis Energy (SAE) says the development will ensure the transition to net zero and provide energy security with 'minimal impact.' Andy Hayton, a Mey resident, said the proposal is an 'industrial eyesore' that would 'brutalise the tranquil and historic landscape of Mey.' He raised his concerns over the environmental impacts of the site and called SAE's plan to plant trees to mitigate the site impact 'insulting.' Christine Tait said if there was a fire at the site, it would be a 'risk to human life' as the fire service are 'woefully ill-equipped.' Richard Shaw is a keen cyclist from Wick and said the route will impact the National Cycle Route to John O'Groats that runs adjacent to the site. Mr Shaw said the development would affect tourism as he often meets cyclists and walkers from abroad on the route. Mr Shaw added: 'l I find it stressful that I cannot rely on elected governments and officials to represent my and others' views on rejecting this.' Councillors objected to the 'cumulative impact' of the proposal as one of several other battery storage sites in the area. They also noted the adverse effect it could have on King Charles' cherished Castle of Mey, just a few miles away from the development. Councillor Matthew Reiss raised concerns about the closeness of the site to the North Coast 500, John O'Groats and the Castle of Mey which are 'right on the doorstep' of the proposed site. Council planner Dafydd Jones said the site is only three metres high and 'not particularly prominent or visible' except on the immediately adjacent road. Other councillors, such as Karl Rosie, were more inclined not to raise an objection with Ministers. He said that a recent site visit to a battery site near Fort Augustus had convinced him the sites were safe and 'in the context of energy security' was happy not to submit an objection. The 300 megawatt site is set to be one of the biggest in the Highlands. It is one of several battery storage sites in the Mey area which are being planned or have been approved. SAE have said the site would hold approximately 352 battery units in a site totalling 10.65 hectares. The application now lies with the Scottish Government's Energy Consents Unit who will make a final decision. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Telegraph
27-04-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Queen Mother's castle threatened by ‘industrial eyesore'
Councillors have objected to plans for a large battery storage site near a castle saved from ruin by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Developer Simec Atlantis Energy (SAE) has proposed installing more than 300 batteries on a 25-acre site two miles from Castle of Mey, near Thurso in Caithness. The Queen Mother first saw what was then known as Barrogill Castle in 1952, while mourning the death of her husband, King George VI. She had the property restored in the 1950s and spent holidays there until October 2001. King Charles, her grandson, has been a frequent visitor to the castle over the years. Highland councillors have objected to the battery storage plan, citing the impact to the castle and local tourism, including the North Coast 500 route around the north of the Scotland. But council officers have warned that the objection may not hold up when scrutinised by Scottish ministers. The Scottish Government's energy consents unit will make a final decision on the proposal. The battery energy storage system would be one of the highest capacity battery sites in Scotland, holding around 352 units. The system stores excess energy generated by wind farms and release it back to the National Grid at periods of high demand. SAE has said its 300MW scheme would have a minimal impact and would help in the provision of energy security. Speaking during a debate on the proposal, councillor Matthew Reiss said the scheme would be 'right on the doorstep' of the castle and other tourist attractions. But council planner Dafydd Jones said the site would be only 3m (9.8ft) and 'not particularly prominent or visible' except on the immediately adjacent road. Andy Hayton, a Mey resident, said the proposal was an 'industrial eyesore' that would 'brutalise the tranquil and historic landscape of Mey'. He raised his concerns over the environmental impacts of the site and called SAE's plan to plant trees to mitigate the site impact 'insulting'. The King spends more than a week at the castle every summer and has made alterations to the gardens established by his grandmother, who died aged 101 in 2002. Alan Titchmarsh, the TV gardener who knew the Queen Mother well, has also donated a large collection of roses in the Shell Garden. Mr Titchmarsh is an honorary patron of the castle's friends' organisation.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Queen Mother's castle threatened by ‘industrial eyesore'
Councillors have objected to plans for a large battery storage site near a castle saved from ruin by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. Developer Simec Atlantis Energy (SAE) has proposed installing more than 300 batteries on a 25-acre site two miles from Castle of Mey, near Thurso in Caithness. The Queen Mother first saw what was then known as Barrogill Castle in 1952, while mourning the death of her husband, King George VI. She had the property restored in the 1950s and spent holidays there until October 2001. King Charles, her grandson, has been a frequent visitor to the castle over the years. Highland councillors have objected to the battery storage plan, citing the impact to the castle and local tourism, including the North Coast 500 route around the north of the Scotland. But council officers have warned that the objection may not hold up when scrutinised by Scottish ministers. The Scottish Government's energy consents unit will make a final decision on the proposal. The battery energy storage system would be one of the highest capacity battery sites in Scotland, holding around 352 units. The system stores excess energy generated by wind farms and release it back to the National Grid at periods of high demand. SAE has said its 300MW scheme would have a minimal impact and would help in the provision of energy security. Speaking during a debate on the proposal, councillor Matthew Reiss said the scheme would be 'right on the doorstep' of the castle and other tourist attractions. But council planner Dafydd Jones said the site would be only 3m (9.8ft) and 'not particularly prominent or visible' except on the immediately adjacent road. Andy Hayton, a Mey resident, said the proposal was an 'industrial eyesore' that would 'brutalise the tranquil and historic landscape of Mey'. He raised his concerns over the environmental impacts of the site and called SAE's plan to plant trees to mitigate the site impact 'insulting'. The King spends more than a week at the castle every summer and has made alterations to the gardens established by his grandmother, who died aged 101 in 2002. Alan Titchmarsh, the TV gardener who knew the Queen Mother well, has also donated a large collection of roses in the Shell Garden. Mr Titchmarsh is an honorary patron of the castle's friends' organisation. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
