#Wales - Explosion fears over proposed huge battery farm
by Dafydd Evans, BBC News, January 16, 2025
"Concerns about fires and explosions have been raised over plans to build one of the UK largest #BatteryFarms.
"The Ynni Celyn project would create a 1,000MW #BatteryEnergyStorageSystem (BESS) site on green fields above the village of #Gwyddelwern in #Denbighshire.
"A public meeting will be held on Thursday, with some residents concerned about the safety of the site and potential #EnvironmentalDamage.
"Developer #NatPower said safety was 'paramount' and only about a third of the 75 acre site would house batteries.
"BESS are being built across the UK to help balance the electricity grid, which is becoming increasingly powered by #renewables.
"The systems hold electricity generated from renewable sources such as wind turbines and solar farms.
"Plans for the site, close to the #ClwydianHills and a planned new #NationalPark, were recently shown to the community.
"Dr Kevin Sharp lives near the proposed site and said it could create a 'potential catastrophe'.
"He added said: 'We know that these batteries can catch fire, explode and emit lots of very #ToxicGases.
"'I don't think anyone can guarantee the safety of everybody around here, should there be an incident.'
"'A small chance of a bad thing is an unacceptable risk for the people who live locally.'
"Demand for electricity is expected to double in Wales by 2050 as efforts to reduce carbon emissions continue and BESS sites are seen as providing a stable and reliable supply.
"Similarly sized projects are being built or have been approved.
"However, fires and explosions have been reported around the world including one at a 20MW site in #Liverpool in 2020.
"Jamie Corry also lives close to the site and said it was unsuitable due to the 'shocking' access for the fire service."
Read more:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c30dn61m64eo
#BessFires #LithiumBatteries #LithiumFires