Campaigners oppose controversial battery energy storage park in Thirsk

In North Yorkshire, residents and campaigners have expressed significant opposition to a proposed battery energy storage park planned by NatPower. This park, covering 58 acres of green belt land near Thirsk, is part of a larger 173-acre site in which two-thirds of the area is designated for the creation of a nature reserve. The plans have raised concerns, particularly from the group Thirsk Against Battery Storage (TABS), who argue that the site is unsuitable and advocate for utilizing brownfield lands instead. Campaigners worry about the environmental impact of establishing a large facility in a rural setting, fearing it could undermine the integrity of the countryside and could lead to unnecessary industrialization. NatPower intends for the facility, labeled as a gigapark, to store renewable energy generated from sources like solar and wind, releasing it during peak demand periods. According to the company's marketing director, Nnenna Hemeson, extensive analyses were conducted to find a suitable location, and the current land was chosen due to its lower agricultural quality. Despite prioritizing brownfield sites, Ms. Hemeson maintained that no better locations were available. The company suggests that the creation of a nature reserve on the site would result in a total biodiversity gain of 100%. Construction for the project is projected to begin in late 2026, contingent on the approval of planning permissions. Hemeson reported that the development process would span approximately two years, thus emphasizing the long-term nature of the undertaking. Local council representative Gareth Dadd has voiced skepticism regarding the benefits of the project, indicating that substantial convincing would be needed to incorporate this development into the landscape of rural North Yorkshire, expressing doubts about whether the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks. As the debate over the proposed storage park continues, it encapsulates broader issues surrounding land use, energy sustainability, and community involvement in significant local developments. The outcome of the campaigners' opposition and the decision from regulatory bodies will determine the future of this substantial project and its implications for renewable energy storage in the UK.