Decision on Battery Energy Storage System Delayed Amid Fire Safety Concerns

A determination regarding the proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) has been deferred following the surfacing of fire safety issues. The BESS facility is intended for construction on a field located south of Barfields Lane, close to Reepham, approximately three miles (4.8km) from Lincoln, adjacent to an oil production site. Concerns regarding fire safety were voiced during Wednesday’s planning committee meeting at West Lindsey District Council, with one councillor suggesting the project could result in a “major disaster.” Fiskerton BESS, the applicant, asserted that the location would feature a comprehensive fire safety management plan. The system’s function is to store electricity when abundant and supply it to the grid during periods of demand. The system is planned to incorporate 16 lithium-ion batteries, each roughly equivalent in size to a shipping container. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a fire at a BESS site in Liverpool in 2020 required 59 hours to extinguish after a battery overheated in a process termed thermal runaway. Councillor Ian Fleetwood informed the committee: “It appears to be in the middle of nowhere but isn’t really.“Star Energy’s oil production site is right next door.“There is also a railway line nearby working throughout the night, and I don’t know whether they carry chemicals or not.“If there’s a serious fire, it could be a major disaster.” Councillor Trevor Bridgewood stated that an evacuation of Star Energy due to a fire would present significant issues, adding that the site was “not the right place.” James Cook, representing the applicant, commented: “The remote risk of thermal runaway is even more remote with new advancements.“There will be a robust fire safety management plan, with an on-site water tank and secondary emergency access.” Lincolnshire Fire & Rescue Service, in its submitted response, neither endorsed nor objected to the application. Councillor John Barrett remarked: “This technology is all new to us, and it seems to be the same for the fire service.“I think we need a site visit – I need to be clear in my mind where everything is and whether it’s safe.” The application is slated for consideration at a subsequent planning meeting.