MP Expresses Security Concerns Regarding Solar Farm’s Battery Storage

Nick Timothy, the Member of Parliament for West Suffolk, voiced apprehension that the battery energy storage systems (BESS) planned for a prospective solar farm might be susceptible to “state-backed sabotage.” He communicated these concerns to Defence Secretary, John Healey, highlighting that the Sunnica Energy Farm’s BESS facilities could endanger nearby air bases and the local populace. This £600 million project, situated along the Cambridgeshire-Suffolk border, received planning approval in July. Sunnica stated that the 2,500-acre location was “designed to be secure against damage from criminal activity” and confirmed that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) had raised “no objection” to the proposals. Mr. Timothy’s apprehensions follow incidents where several unidentified drones were observed flying near RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell. The US Air Force did not classify these drones as hostile. During a Westminster Hall debate, Timothy remarked: “MI5 said we now face state-backed sabotage and should expect to see Russian acts of aggression here at home.“They are on a sustained mission to generate mayhem on British and European streets. We’ve seen arson, sabotage and more.” The Conservative Member of Parliament further asserted that BESS fires at comparable facilities have resulted from lithium battery failures, leading to thermal runaway. He stated: “This can cause explosions and the resulting fires cannot be extinguished using conventional methods… a fire at a BESS site in Liverpool took 59 hours to put out.“The fires emit toxic fumes which means people in the vicinity must remain indoors throughout.“So I think that the risk to the sites given the location of the Sunnica Solar Farm is quite obvious.” Maria Eagle, the Minister for Defence Procurement, indicated that the MoD held no concerns regarding the Sunnica Energy Farm, though she consented to a meeting with Timothy. Sunnica affirmed that the project would incorporate fencing, CCTV cameras, and illumination in “critical areas.” The company further stated: “It also includes measures to avoid, reduce or mitigate fire risk, secured by a requirement in our Development Consent Order.“In deciding to give consent to our Development Consent Order, the Secretary of State confirmed our approach to safety was appropriate.“The Ministry of Defence confirmed that they had no objection. We will continue to engage with them as the project progresses through to construction and operation.”