Developer sheds light on plans for proposed Clydebank battery storage site

On Tuesday developer Intelligent Land Investments (ILI) Group hosted a pre-application consultation meeting at the Hub Community Centre to discuss the proposed site at Braidfield Farm. This land is currently used as a horse paddock.

According to the Hamilton-based company’s website, it proposes creating a 100-megawatt energy storage facility which would house containers of lithium-ion batteries and associated equipment.

Proposed site outlined in red (Image: ILI Group)This includes an access track to the site, electricity, meter building, and fencing.

The land is said to have been chosen as it is located near the Kilbowie Grid Supply Point (GSP) and it is noted that there are very few GSPs in Scotland that can accommodate this level of power.

Proposed site layout (Image: ILI Group)

At the event earlier this week, Bankies voiced queries and concerns they have over the plans, which have not yet been submitted to the Scottish Government, titled the ‘Braidfield Energy Storage Project’.

Now, the developer has shed some light on questions surrounding security and site management, cable installation, wildlife and environmental impact, noise concerns, fire safety and battery management, and finally the project timeline.

Site Access

Where will the site be accessed from?

The Post attended the meeting on Tuesday and understands that the site will be accessed by turning off of Kilbowie Road onto Strathdee Avenue and then turning left onto Braidfield Road.

Security and site management

What security measures will be in place?

The ILI Group states that “as with all developments where electricity is involved it is important that individuals do not gain unauthorised access making safety and security top priority”.

As such the proposed site will be equipped with “state-of-the-art” security systems including surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and secure fencing.

Proposed fencing plans (Image: ILI Groups)

Will there be on-site staff?

It is understood that there will be no staff physically manning the containers.

The development will be signposted to warn of the dangers and provide clear safety information.

Cable installation

Who will install the cables?

Connecting the proposed project to the grid will be the responsibility of Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN), according to the ILI Group.

Therefore they will be installing the necessary cables.

SPEN will carry out surveys to determine the most appropriate route for the cabling “ensuring minimal disruption to the town”.

It is understood that due to this, the cable route to connect to the grid is not included in the plans.

Wildlife and environmental impact

The developer says that it will ensure a net biodiversity gain is achieved in line with the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4).

It hopes to do this through measures such as new habitat creation and careful landscaping. The landscaping is said to have a further benefit of providing visual screening to the development.

Noise concerns

Will the containers make a lot of noise?

The ILI Group states that the noise of battery storage facilities is minimal with “permissible noise levels determined by the existing ambient background noise”.

West Dunbartonshire Council’s environmental health officers will set strict noise levels.

The developer goes on to add that the project will adhere to all planning conditions to ensure there is no noise nuisance caused.

Fire safety and battery management

The company says the risk of fire is “extremely low” and that the project will employ advanced battery management systems.

These are said to be specifically designed to prevent overheating and maintain safe operational temperatures.

ILI Group facilities are also understood to be equipped with sophisticated fire suppression systems and built to meet rigorous safety standards.

NPF4 is reported to say that development proposals which are “likely to have a significant adverse impact” on health will not be supported and the same document adds that battery projects will be supported.

The UK Government’s Health and Safety Executive will be consulted as part of the application and if any concerns are raised the ILI Group will not be able to progress with the project.

Project Timeline

How long will construction take?

It is estimated that the planning phase for the Braidfield Project will take around 18 months to complete.

Assuming the developer secures the necessary consents from the Scottish Government construction will begin around nine months before the scheduled grid connection date which is at the end of 2027.

Those with further questions are urged to contact ah@ili-energy.com or fill out a form on the project website HERE.