Battery Energy Storage Systems in the Press
Scotland
Kilwinning, Ayrshire - 2024
Fire crews have spent a second night at a blaze in a battery recycling plant in North Ayrshire.
Kintore, Aberdeenshire
A large BESS project near Kintore substation faced opposition due to fears over fire risks, potential chemical leaks, and environmental impacts. Despite 51 objections, the project was approved.
https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/6566902/kintore-battery-storage/
Kilwinning, Ayrshire - 2025
Residents have told of their terror after a large fire broke out at a battery recycling plant in North Ayrshire exactly a year after another blaze at the site.
Cochno Road, Clydebank
Residents described the construction of multiple BESS facilities within a one-mile radius as a "nightmare," citing constant noise, disruption, and lack of community consultation.
Kilmarnock, Ayrshire
A proposed 560MW BESS on greenbelt land faced backlash from residents worried about safety hazards, environmental impact, and inadequate public consultation.
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/23730641.clydebank-residents-vow-fight-battery-storage-plans/
Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
The Stornoway Community Council objected to a proposed 25MW BESS near residential areas, citing potential catastrophic consequences in case of fire and the proximity to homes and critical infrastructure.
Elgin, Moray
A proposed BESS on agricultural land near Elgin faced opposition from locals concerned about the loss of prime farmland, visual impact, and increased construction traffic on narrow roads.
Clynelish, Sutherland
A planned 49.9MW BESS on croft land near Brora was met with resistance due to concerns over noise pollution, safety, and the industrialization of a historically rural area.
Leitholm, Scottish Borders
Residents opposed plans for six BESS facilities covering over 200 acres of farmland, expressing concerns about the loss of agricultural land and the impact on the rural character of the area.
Beauly, Highland
A BESS proposal near Beauly was rejected after objections from locals, including Lord Lovat, who argued the development would have a detrimental effect on the rural landscape.
Inverness, Highland
Four community councils united to oppose a 50MW BESS proposed by Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC, citing safety concerns and the loss of designated open space.
UK
Fire at 20MW Battery Storage Plant in Liverpool (2020)
A significant fire occurred at Ørsted's Carnegie Road BESS project in Liverpool. The blaze involved a large grid battery system container, prompting residents to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke.
Firefighters Tackle Lithium Battery Blaze at Essex Warehouse (2023)
A warehouse storing lithium batteries in Great Notley, Essex, caught fire, requiring 40 to 50 firefighters to manage the blaze. The presence of lithium batteries made conditions challenging.
Fire at Statera Energy's Thurrock BESS Project in Essex (2025)
A fire broke out in a containerized battery unit at the under-construction 300MW/600MWh Thurrock BESS site. The incident was contained without public risk, but it raised concerns about fire safety measures.
Rise in Battery Fires Across the UK (2023)
Fire incidents caused by lithium-ion batteries increased significantly, with 1,200 battery-related fires reported in 2023—a 70% rise from 2022. The growing amount of electronic waste contributes to the problem.
https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/firefighters-raise-alarm-over-rise-in-battery-fires-jgp8lddfd
Firefighters Respond to Battery Storage Site Fire in East Tilbury (2025)
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service managed a fire at a battery storage site under construction in East Tilbury. The fire was contained, and an investigation into the cause was planned.
Opposition to Energy Storage Plant in Scottish Highlands (2025)
A proposed battery storage project near Beauly, Inverness, faced objections from local residents and notable figures, citing concerns about landscape degradation and health impacts.
Around the World
Smoke from California Lithium Battery Plant Fire Raises Air Quality Concerns
A fire at Vistra Energy's Moss Landing facility led to evacuations and highlighted the challenges of extinguishing lithium-ion battery fires.
Emerging Hazards of BESS Fires
FEMA highlights the challenges first responders face with BESS fires, emphasizing the lack of standard procedures for such incidents.
https://www.fema.gov/case-study/emerging-hazards-battery-energy-storage-system-fires
PG&E and Vistra Sued Over Moss Landing Battery Fire
A lawsuit alleges negligence in safety measures leading to the Moss Landing fire, with claims of environmental pollution and health issues.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/california/article/moss-landing-battery-fire-pge-lawsuit-20148929.php
Battery Energy Storage System Risks
Outlines risks including fire hazards, environmental impacts from material extraction and disposal, maintenance safety, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
https://energyriskengineeringinsights.com/2023/06/15/battery-energy-storage-system-risks/
Dangers of Battery Energy Storage Systems
Highlights fire hazards, environmental impacts, health risks for personnel, and system complexity challenges.
https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-dangers-of-battery-energy-storage-systems/
Disadvantages of Battery Energy Storage Systems
Discusses high costs, limited lifespan, environmental concerns, and performance limitations of BESS.
https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-battery-energy-storage-systems/
Noise
BESS Noise Has Exploded as a Concern Recently
The noise generated by Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) has become a major concern in recent months. This article highlights how the noise from cooling systems and other components has led to increased scrutiny, especially in densely populated regions.
https://www.energy-storage.news/bess-noise-has-exploded-as-a-concern-recently
Downiebrae BESS Noise Impact Assessment
The Downiebrae BESS Noise Impact Assessment provides a detailed analysis of the noise pollution associated with a specific Battery Energy Storage System project. This assessment is crucial for understanding the environmental implications of BESS installations and ensuring compliance with noise regulations.
Fire
Battery Storage Industry Tries to Dampen Fire Safety Concern
The article titled "Battery Storage Industry Tries to Dampen Fire Safety Concerns" delves into the growing apprehensions surrounding the fire safety of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). As the deployment of these systems expands, so do the concerns about potential fire hazards. The article explores various incidents that have raised alarms.
https://www.insider.co.uk/news/battery-storage-industry-tries-dampen-34238542
Are Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Safe?
The safety of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is a critical issue, particularly concerning fire risks. This article explores the potential hazards associated with BESS, including thermal runaway and fire incidents.
https://www.cpreherts.org.uk/news/are-battery-energy-storage-systems-bess-safe/
BESS Failure Incident Database
The database compiles information about stationary battery energy storage system (BESS) failure incidents