Visibility and access key to clean energy delivery

With storage playing a critical role in the UK’s transition to a cleaner energy network, Motion’s support for battery energy storage systems (BESS) is gaining momentum.  In a recent commission, the team helped renewable energy operator, Anesco Limited, steer a proposal to a successful outcome in northeast Scotland.  Once built, the facility near Rothienorman will pioneer newer, more efficient technology, helping National Grid to balance power supply and demand with decarbonised energy sources.

Anesco was granted planning approval by Aberdeenshire Council for the 50MW facility, one of its first BESSs to be developed in Scotland.  The development will comprise 21 battery containers, providing vital support to the UK energy network by improving the flexibility of energy supply as demand fluctuates.

Robust evidence

The proposals included battery energy storage containers, power conversion systems, voltage transformers, a switch room, control room, storage locker, fencing and lighting columns.  The batteries, transformers and other construction materials will be delivered to the site on articulated lorries up to 16.5m long. Visibility at the site access will be achieved with the aid of a qualified banksman.

Highways and transportation evidence in support of BESS facilities needs to be increasingly incontrovertible to combat potential local opposition.  According to Andrew Nock, Motion’s Senior Transport Planner, “A robust access strategy is the foundation of any renewable energy scheme.  Without this, the whole development is undeliverable.”

In this case, the team needed to take into consideration a long, steep access route and a number of sharp bends on the approach to the proposed facility.  The dogleg turns were identified for road widening to allow the safe passage of construction vehicles through the site’s internal layout.

Visibility challenges

Anesco’s development team was supported with expert guidance to overcome the issues.  The challenges of visibility and HGV manoeuvrability were dealt with efficiently.  The team was confident that the optimal arrangement was reached for site access and vehicular movements, both during and after construction.

Motion Director, John Russell, concludes, “The development will provide new, non-carbon energy storage facilities at a location which can be safely accessed by construction and operational vehicles.  Any temporary traffic impacts during construction will be de minimus and measures will be put in place to reduce or avoid any residual impact arising during this period.”

Rothienorman, Aberdeenshire project at a glance:

• Battery storage capacity of up to 50MW
• 21 battery containers offering flexible clean energy delivery

Motion contribution:

• Preparation of Transport Statement
• Swept Path Analysis
• Visibility Splay calculations
• Preparation of Technical Note in response to planning authority’s comments arising from Technical Consultation
• Preparation of Construction Traffic Management Plan

 Outcome:

• Support to help electricity grid balance supply and demand during the UK’s energy transition
• Biodiversity net gains of almost 50%
• Wildlife supported through lifecycle of BESS, including new wildflower meadow and tree planting