The energy company behind a new battery energy storage system (BESS) being created on farmland near Lambley have responded to claims materials would come from abroad, contradicting net zero claims.
Plans submitted by Grenergy Renewables UK Ltd for the BESS were given the go-ahead by the local council on Wednesday – despite objections from 201 nearby households on flooding, noise levels and other concerns.
The system is to be built on a four-hectare patch of land at Burton Wood Farm, accessed by a farm track off Spring Lane, near Lambley.
The site is within the Nottingham and Derby Green Belt and close to ancient woodland.
The system, with a lifetime of 40 years, will provide energy services to the national grid, taking excess power in periods of low demand, storing it and then releasing it back when demand is high.
The BESS will include three tanks of battery units, totalling 192 batteries, along with other energy infrastructure including a rainwater pond to prevent flooding.
The plans received 201 objections from nearby households, and objections from local parish councils and Gedling Labour MP Michael Payne – raising concerns for wildlife, noise levels, flooding in Lambley and in Burton Joyce.
Plans received one point of local support – in that it is in line with the Labour Government’s “net zero” aim.
During the planning meeting, Cllr Sam Smith questioned the potential contradiction of the aim for net zero – saying BESS schemes may need imported materials, in turn using CO2 through transport.
He said: “We’re building something to help mitigate climate change that isn’t net zero- how has that decision been founded?”
No confirmation could be provided in the meeting as to where the BESS materials would come from.
A response from Grenergy, regarding the importation of materials from overseas said: “In terms of procurement of BESS, because of the complexity of the technology, a global supply chain is necessary to resource and manufacturer the equipment, no different than a modern car, cellphone or television.
“The exact supplier of the BESS units has not been confirmed at this stage of the project. Regardless Grenergy are committed to sustainability and have an ethos to environmental, social and governance as you can find on our website.”
The plans were approved with nine votes for and seven against.
