Plans have been announced for a large battery storage energy system (BESS) in a North Yorkshire community already opposing a proposed solar farm and storage plant.
Developer Brockwell Energy is looking to build a 100MW BESS on land southwest of the A645, close to the Drax Golf Course at Camblesforth, near Selby.
The company is preparing a planning application for the New Oak Energy Storage scheme, which will be submitted to North Yorkshire Council. It is also seeking feedback from local residents on the proposals.
BESS plants are designed to store green energy when demand is low and release it into the grid when demand rises.
However, critics however say the plants are a fire risk and damage rural landscapes.
Locals are invited to attend an online webinar on 8 April to share their thoughts and understand more about the project.
Gary Bird, head of project development at Brockwell Energy, said: “If consented, New Oak Energy Storage will play an important role in ensuring that the United Kingdom has a secure, domestic green energy supply.
“We hope members of the local community will attend the event so that we can provide further details of our proposals, answer any questions and gather feedback.”
The Planning Inspectorate is currently reviewing plans for the 190MW Helios solar farm, to the west of Camblesforth.
A decision on the scheme, which also includes plans for a BESS, is expected later this year.
Last month, North Yorkshire planners rejected proposals for a solar farm near the village of Hillam in the former Selby district.
One councillor claimed the area was being unfairly earmarked for green energy projects due to its grid connections.
New Oak Energy Storage says its site has been chosen as it is near existing power lines and close to an agreed National Grid connection near Drax power station.
Members of the HALT group, formed to fight the Helios scheme, reacted with dismay at the New Oak proposal.
Campaigner Pam Spreckley urged residents to contest the scheme, saying she was “absolutely furious” about the new BESS plans.
She added: “These battery storage units are dangerous and noisy. If we don’t fight each one, they will keep coming.”
The online webinar will take place from 6 pm – 7pm on Tuesday 8 April.
The information shared, along with a summary of the feedback, will then be posted on the project website for people who are unable to attend.
A form on the project website will also allow people to provide feedback during a 10-day engagement period, which runs until Thursday 17 April.
To register for the webinar, click here.