Sunderland approves battery storage site amid green belt concerns
- Sunderland city councillors have approved a battery energy storage facility by Newton Energi, designed to store renewable energy.
- The application has been referred to the government for a final decision due to its location on green belt land.
- Concerns about fire risks and environmental impact were raised, but the facility will implement multiple safety measures.
City councillors in Sunderland have approved plans for a battery energy storage facility proposed by Newton Energi, located near Foxcover Road and close to the A19. This facility aims to store energy generated from renewable sources such as wind and solar, releasing it during peak demand periods. The development is set to have a lifespan of 35 years and will include control rooms, storage units, and approximately 28 battery storage containers. Despite the unanimous approval from councillors, the application has been referred to the government due to its location on green belt land, which necessitates a final decision from higher authorities. During the planning meeting, concerns were raised by local councillor Paul Edgeworth regarding potential fire risks and environmental impacts, particularly in light of a previous incident in Liverpool where a battery storage site experienced a significant fire. In response to these concerns, Craig Hunter, the operation manager at Newton Energi, assured that the facility would be under constant surveillance and equipped with multiple safety measures, including remote isolation capabilities for battery containers and fire suppression systems. This commitment to safety aims to alleviate fears among residents about the risks associated with battery storage facilities. The approval of this facility comes in contrast to a recent decision by South Tyneside Council's Planning Committee, which rejected a similar battery energy storage scheme in Boldon Colliery, highlighting the varying approaches to energy storage developments in the region.