Cut Lane, Kirkby battery storage

We are looking to develop a 50 MW Battery Energy Storage System on the outskirts of Kirkby, Knowsley, situated off Cut Lane. The proposed site is approximately two acres and is located near to the Knowsley National Grid substation, where we have already secured a grid connection.

We are beginning an early round of engagement with residents within the area to both inform them of our plans and gain their feedback. Following this, we intend to submit a planning application in summer 2024.

Battery storage is essential to help us all to achieve net zero by creating an electricity system that is clean, affordable and secure. As well as storing power generated by renewable sources, the battery at Cut Lane, Kirkby will improve the resilience of the electricity system. By storing energy at times  when it is plentiful from renewable sources, such as particularly sunny or windy days, it can then be used when it is most needed, helping the electricity system to operate more efficiently.

Prior to the planning application, we are undertaking a range of environmental assessments to identify what we can do to ensure that the development improves biodiversity within the local environment.

We will be regularly updating this page as we get closer to submitting our planning application.

Why are you looking to locate the project here?

The site is close to the National Grid substation at Knowsley with a straightforward, low impact cable route. We have already secured a grid connection agreement. The site is considered to be previously developed and is therefore well suited for this type of development.

How will you access the site?

The site will be accessed via Cut Lane

Why is battery storage needed?

The UK has set a target to end its contribution to climate change and bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. To achieve this, we must end our reliance on coal and gas-fired power stations and replace these with new low carbon power sources. Battery storage is essential to make this transition. It provides:

• Flexibility – To keep power supplies flowing electricity supply and demand must always be equal, or ‘balanced.’ Battery storage provides critical flexibility services required by National Grid to manage renewable intermittency and maintain this vital balance.
• Security – Batteries can respond extremely rapidly to faults on the network or changes in electricity supply and demand, helping to reduce blackout risk and ensure a secure and resilient network.
• Adaptability – As more of our lives are powered by electricity – from heating to cars – our energy system is changing. Batteries help to future-proof the grid and cost-effectively integrate more renewable power.

It’s estimated Britain will need 25+ GW of battery storage by 2050, up from around 1GW today.

How long will construction take?

Construction will take approximately 9-12 months. Once complete it will require infrequent maintenance.

How will the site connect to the grid?

It will connect to the nearby Knowsley National Grid Exeter Substation using underground cables.

How are the batteries disposed of at the end of their lifespan? What is the environmental impact of these metals?

Under the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) regulations, the batteries must be responsibly managed at the end of usable life. There is a commitment by the manufacturer to deal with this. However, as the life of the batteries is long (>10 years) it is expected that there will be value in the cells for the materials in them at the point they are deemed ‘end of life’. This could be re-purposing to other smaller storage applications (similar to second life car batteries) or being stripped down and recycled with the rarer materials going back into being new storage systems.

Do they produce a lot of heat? Is there are risk of them overheating?

Batteries are a proven technology that have been used for various means for many years. Careful attention is paid to cell selection, module design and site layout, to ensure multiple levels of fire risk mitigation. Battery cell procurement is part of EDF Renewables’ world qualification process to ensure only Tier 1 battery cells are procured.

Additional fire safety measures are taken on site design level to ensure multiple levels of fire risk mitigation and to meet US Fire Standard NFPA855, including increased spacing between battery cubes. US Fire Standard NFPA855 is the default standard used across the US for large battery storage projects, and in the absence of a UK specific standard is considered industry best practice.

We have undertaken early active engagement with Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service and incorporated their recommendations into the design of the facility. A site specific Battery Safety Management Plan will be developed. Ongoing engagement, site visits and training will be held through construction and commissioning phases of project, and ahead of commercial operation.  We take a significant number of steps taken to mitigate any risk of fire which we’d be happy to share more information on if helpful.

Q. Will it be noisy?

A noise assessment will be undertaken to ensure the plant operates within acceptable noise thresholds defined by the Council. Noise mitigation measures will be included within the scheme. BESS developments have reasonably limited noise effects compared to other forms of development.