Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have provided a handy bank of FAQs that cover a range of relevant topics and themes that relate the proposed BESS development at Lislunnan Road in Dunsilly. We hope you find these useful but should you have any questions that are not covered by this, then please contact the design team using the details at the bottom of the webpage.

Project Overview

  • Battery storage, or battery energy storage systems (BESS), are devices that enable energy from renewables, such as tidal, wind and solar, to be stored and then released when the power is needed most. BESS acts as a decarbonisation enabler: allowing the deployment of more renewable energy such as offshore wind onto the grid, by helping to match supply with demand.

    This is done by absorbing over-production of electricity when the supply is greater than the demand, for example during periods of high winds, then discharging that energy back onto the system when it is required such as at times of under-supply or when demand peaks.

    These pojects make a big contribution in meeting the UK’s Net Zero targets, whilst increasing energy security and reducing reliance on imported power or gas from other countries to meet shortfalls in production.

  • The proposals will deliver a 150MW Battery Energy Storage System including battery enclosures and 110kV substation with associated transformers, new switch house and control room (with photovoltaics (PV) panels to roof), lighting and closed-circuit television (CCTV) columns,  boundary fencing, landscaping, installation of water hydrants, and associated works including the construction of a new access from Lislunnan Road. 

  • The proposal will be 150MW (two hour discharge capacity).

  • The application is being taken forward by Valor Power, a local company based in Bellaghy. Valor Power is a forward-thinking energy company based in Northern Ireland, committed to transforming the energy sector through innovation, sustainability, and engineering excellence.

    The company’s aim is to accelerate the green transition, helping meet national and global carbon reduction targets.  We are reshaping the energy landscape, not by following trends, but by setting them. We take pride in investing locally while contributing to global climate goals. Guided by creativity, proven expertise, and a bold, solutions-driven mindset, we are building the resilient, low-carbon energy systems of the future.

    The Valor Power team have extensive experience in both BESS and renewable energy space in the UK and Ireland. This includes the development of wind, solar and EV charging infrastructure and have developed and delivered hundreds of Megawatts of BESS storage and renewable energy infrastructure to-date.

  • The Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 puts a legal requirement on the Northern Ireland Executive to deliver a rate of 80% of energy produced in NI to come from renewable energy sources. To achieve this, NI requires a range of supporting infrastructure to ensure the efficient utilisation of renewable energy. We are still some way off from fulfilling this requirement and additional energy storage capacity will help ensure that bill payers in Northern Ireland will have increased security of supply during times of high demand on the electricity grid.

  • LFP Lithium Iron Phosphate

Site Selection and Land Use

  • Valor Power have carried out a range of viability assessments on a number of different potential sites both locally and across NI. This site was selected primarily as it is in close proximity to the Kells Substation, allowing for ease of access to discharge required energy directly to the grid during times of increased energy demand.

Design & Safety

  • It is proposed that approximately 30  total battery units will be installed on the site as part of the planning application. Each BESS unit is made up of two containers and Power Conversion System (PCS) system giving roughly 5MW/10MWh.

  • All of the battery systems used as part of this proposal are certified to the latest international standards, designed to prevent thermal runaway and fires from starting in the first place. 24/7 monitoring, fire suppression systems and adequate spacing between containers are also commonly used in the design of BESS to ensure safety across the site and to the surrounding areas.

  • As part of the planning process, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) will be consulted with to assess the proposals and ensure that appropriate fire safety provisions and mitigation measures are implemented as part of the application.  A Fire Safety Report will be submitted with the planning application.

  • No chemicals will be stored on site. Any materials used are integral to products produced under structural UK and EU regulations.

  • The application will be supported by a Hazardous Substance Report which will consider the hazards and risks of substances associated with the operations of the  development.

  • The application will be supported by a Fire Safety Report from Valor Power. The report will set out the fire prevention and risk management employed by Valor Power through the use of containerised BESS.

  • The application will be supported by a Hazardous Substance Report which will consider the hazards and risks of substances associated with the operations of the development.

  • The application will be supported by a Hazardous Substance Report which will consider the hazards and risks of substances associated with the development.

  • An overpressure assessment is included as part of the planning submission.

  • The planning application will be supported by an Outline Emergency Response Plan.

  • The layout of the Scheme provides adequate separation between enclosures, additional ESS (Energy Storage System) equipment, and other key site structures and infrastructure.

    The UK National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) ‘Grid Scale Battery Energy Storage System planning – Guidance for FRS has been followed which includes a minimum separation distance of 4m between BESS enclosures to exceed the 3m guidance as set out in NFPA 855.

  • The application will be supported by a Fire Safety Report which will demonstrate how the proposal complies with all necessary standards and regulations including access points.

Environmental Impact

  • As part of the planning application, we will be undertaking a range of technical studies which will include a noise impact and Lighting assessment. The assessment is used to evaluate the potential impact of noise from the development on individuals and the environment.

     The assessment is conducted in accordance with relevant regulations, including the British Standard BS4142, and involves various stages to ensure accurate and reliable results. It is not envisaged that the site will need to be lit at night.

    The lighting report has considered and evaluated the potential effects of proposed lighting on surrounding sensitive receptors, including, in this instance, residential properties and wildlife.

  • The application will be supported by a Hazardous Substance Report which will consider the hazards and risks of substances associated with the operations of the development.

Construction Phase

  • Valor Power would want to commence the construction and delivery process quickly to ensure minimum disruption to the local area and timely delivery of the BESS project to the electrical network. This construction timeline is not a fixed duration but we would anticipate the process would take approximately 18 months.

  • During the construction and decommissioning phases there will be an increase in vehicles used to deliver and remove equipment and materials along the roads as would be the case with any form of development. However, minimising the impact of construction traffic is an important part of the consultation with the planning authority and DfI Roads. Additionally, the proposal will be supported by a Transport Assessment Form which will consider the number of trips associated with the development during the construction and operational phases.

    As part of the application, an outline Construction & Environment Management Plan (oCEMP) will be submitted. This will provide a framework from which a final Construction Environmental Management Plan will be developed to avoid, minimise or mitigate any construction effects on the environment.  This will include:

    Details of proposed evacuations and construction

    Details of areas to be used for the storage

    Details of pollution prevention measures to be deployed during construction and operation

  • During the construction process, the storage of some building material may be required on-site for a period of time. Prior to this, the site will be secured to ensure the safety of local residents, members of the public and the site itself.

Operations & Maintenance

  • The site is not permanently manned and there will be no permanent on-site presence. The system is monitored 24/7 remotely by an offsite O&M provider and also monitored 24/7 by the battery supplier. If personnel are required to attend site to conduct routine inspection or maintenance works, these activities will only be carried out on an approved schedule and under a permit to work system.

  • The site will be monitored remotely by a team of technicians to ensure the BESS is operating efficiently and safely.

  • The site and its associated access road will be monitored via CCTV on a 24/7 basis, ensuring that the site is secured around the clock for both the safety of the public and the BESS itself.

The Planning Process

  • We aim to submit a local planning application to Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council (ANBC) later in June 2025. Depending on how long the engagement process with the council’s planning team takes, we would anticipate a decision before the end of 2025

  • A Risk Register is not required to support the Planning Application. The Fire Report will  consider the risks associated with lithium batteries and compliance with relevant fire regulations and standards.

    The application is also supported by a Hazardous Substances Report and Outline Emergency Response Plan.