What are we proposing?
Sirius Renewable Energy Limited intend to apply to Pembrokeshire County Council for consent for the construction of the proposed Lambeeth BESS.
Site location
Including the access and cable route, the site consists of approximately 3.5ha of gently sloping agricultural land set close to RWE’s Pembroke Power Station and the Valero Pembroke Oil Refinery.
The Greenlink Converter Station (which is currently under construction) is located immediately adjacent to the western boundary of the site.
The surrounding context is a mix of agricultural and power-petrochemical industrial uses.
The area outlined red shows the indicative location for the BESS compound and access track.
Frequently asked questions
This list of frequently asked questions provides some initial information about the proposals. They will evolve and expand over time to incorporate additional information and address queries that arise as the Project progresses.
If you have a question that is not answered here, get in touch with us via the Contact tab.
How long will the BESS be operational?
The BESS will be operational for 40 years, following which all components will be removed and the site returned to its current use.
How did you decide that this particular site was suitable?
BESS projects need to be located close to electrical infrastructure with capacity for import and export of electricity. The site is in proximity to Pembroke Power Station and Valero Oil Refinery and was selected due to the fact that it is not located within the National Park, or other protected area, and is well screened from surrounding views by existing hedgerows, existing farm buildings and industrial infrastructure.
Who will decide whether or not this Project receives planning permission?
The application will be determined by Pembrokeshire County Council. However, many other parties will have the opportunity to influence the proposals, including local communities and specialist consultees.
How can local communities and interested parties influence the development of the proposals?
We will soon undertake pre-application consultation prior to submitting an application to Pembrokeshire County Council. The feedback received as part of this will be taken into account in finalising the application documents.
How will the proposals affect local wildlife and ecology?
For proposed energy projects such as Lambeeth BESS, the applicant undertakes a range of assessments to consider the potential environmental effects related to the proposals. This information will be submitted as part of the planning application.
These assessments of the potential beneficial or adverse environmental effects and impacts arising from the proposed development of the construction, operation and decommissioning of the project will be carefully considered, and help to shape the design of the BESS.
We will then develop specific measures (mitigation) to address any potential impacts on the site location and surrounding areas. This will include measures such as minimising vegetation clearance and preserving existing field margins to protect invertebrates, reptiles and foraging birds, and carefully managing water and drainage to maintain the status quo of surrounding waterways.
Wherever possible, we will also be identifying areas in which we can deliver an improvement, for example, through additional planting, reinstatement of ditches and hedgerows, as well as grassland management.
Will you have CCTV covering the site?
Yes, CCTV (with invisible infrared lighting) is to be installed covering the site only to allow for remote monitoring and response.
What happens when the site is decommissioned?
The BESS is designed to be a temporary installation. While the components are likely to be in good working order after the end of the project life, the BESS will be legally required to cease operating after a period of 40 years. Components which are still in good working order will then be re-used elsewhere, with the components which have no further operational use recycled.
How long is construction expected to take?
Construction work is expected to take up to 6 months.
Will the BESS produce any noise?
The development will not be a source of perceptible noise, though the BESS containers do contain fans to cool the equipment. The fans generate an element of noise similar to air conditioning or air source heat pumps. To ensure this is considered appropriately, a Noise Assessment will be produced and submitted with the application documents and where it is deemed necessary, mitigation measures could be incorporated into the proposal.
When will construction works take place?
All works will be carried out between the hours of 0700 to 1900 Monday to Friday and 0800 to 1600 on Saturdays. No construction work will take place on Sundays or Bank Holidays.
How visible will the BESS be from local roads and other receptors?
The site was selected due to its hidden location and is well screened by surrounding hedgerows, existing farm buildings and other industrial infrastructure. However, a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment is being undertaken to determine the visibility of the proposal from nearby receptors. This may recommend enhancement or mitigation measures.
What will the BESS look like?
The proposed development will consist of 46 battery units (in 23 pairs) which will have a similar appearance to shipping containers. Whilst the exact unit size is to be confirmed it is likely they will measure 5.7m long, 2.4m wide and 2.4m high. Transformers, feed pillars, fire water tanks and control/spares cabins will be no higher than 2.9m and 12.2m long. An on-site substation will be no higher than 6.5m. The site will be fenced and a landscaping scheme will accompany the planning application.
When will the application be submitted?
We are aiming to submit a planning application to Pembrokeshire County Council in December 2023.