Questions should be asked for a proposed development of industrial storage batteries in Rhigos Village
FB: Councillor Karen Morgan Have just spoken to the consultants. The application is only available online at the Library. However, there will be an open drop-in exhibition at Rhigos Community Centre on Wednesday 26th March 3 pm – 7 pm. They will send us a poster advertising the event and will share when we receive it. Please note this is only a pre-planning consultation; residents will still be able to comment as usual when the application is submitted to the RCT Council.
Wednesday, 26th March Rhigos Community Hall, 7 Heol Esgyn, Rhigos, Aberdare CF44 9BJ
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Will this further development in Cynon Valley cut our electricity bills or just increase profits for the suppliers?
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Welcome to our project website. Here you will find information about our proposal for a new battery energy storage system at Mount Road. You can also provide your feedback and comments on the proposals which will be considered carefully by the project team and help to shape the final design.
The UK’s electricity demand is forecast to double by 2050 as we transition away from polluting fossil fuels to clean electric power to help address climate change. The demand is driven by many factors including the growing use of electric cars, the transition away from gas and oil boilers to electric heat pumps and the growing number of UK households.
The UK must also address energy security and become far less reliant on volatile foreign energy markets which have caused the recent spikes in household energy bills.
The proposal represents a form of low carbon development which would facilitate the efficient operation of the electricity grid and maximise the efficiency of renewable energy generation on the network. The development provides for electrical storage in batteries that can be charged when there is surplus capacity on the grid and then deploy the stored power when there is capacity for the grid to accommodate the electrical energy.
The website provides further information on the proposals and the energy context in the UK. Importantly, you can complete our survey and leave your feedback. All of your comments will be carefully considered by the project team and will help to shape the final proposals.
Thank you for your interest in this project and taking the time to look at our website.
Questions should be asked about a proposed development of industrial storage batteries in Rhigos Village
Environmental Impact
- What chemicals and materials will be used in the batteries, and what are their environmental risks?
- How will hazardous materials be transported to and from the site?
- What is the noise impact of the facility during construction and operation?
- How will the facility affect local wildlife habitats and corridors?
- What is the visual impact on the rural landscape?
Health and Safety
- What fire safety measures will be implemented?
- What emergency response plans are in place for chemical spills or fires?
- Are there health risks from electromagnetic fields or other emissions?
- How will battery disposal or recycling be handled?
Community Impact
- How many long-term local jobs will the facility create?
- Will there be workforce training for local residents?
- What economic benefits will flow to the village?
- How will increased industrial traffic affect village roads and quality of life?
- Will the development cause property values to change?
Infrastructure Requirements
- What grid upgrades will be needed to support the facility?
- Will the project require new roads or improvements to existing roads?
- What water requirements will the facility have?
- How will construction impact local infrastructure temporarily?
Long-term Planning
- What is the expected lifespan of the facility?
- Is there a decommissioning plan when batteries reach end-of-life?
- Who bears responsibility for site remediation if the operator goes bankrupt?
- How does this development align with the village’s long-term development plans?
Alternatives
- Have alternative locations been considered?
- What alternative battery technologies were evaluated?
- Has a distributed approach with smaller installations been considered?
What are the potential safety risks associated with large industrial batteries
1. Fire and Explosion Hazards
- Thermal Runaway: This occurs when a battery cell enters an uncontrollable self-heating state, potentially leading to fires or explosions. It can be triggered by overcharging, physical damage, manufacturing defects, or exposure to high temperatures.
- Flammable Electrolytes: The electrolyte solution in lithium-ion batteries is highly flammable. If it leaks and encounters an ignition source, it can result in intense fires that are difficult to extinguish, burning at temperatures between 700°C and 1000°C.
- Chain Reactions: A single cell failure can propagate to neighboring cells, causing a cascading thermal runaway event.
2. Electrical Risks
- Short Circuits: Internal short circuits may occur due to mechanical abuse (e.g., crushing, impact), manufacturing defects (e.g., misalignments), or improper charging/discharging practices. These can lead to overheating and thermal runaway.
- Overcharging or Deep Discharge: Improper handling during charging or discharging can damage the battery’s internal structure, increasing the risk of fire or explosion.
3. Mechanical Risks
- Batteries are vulnerable to physical damage from impacts, drops, or crushing. Such damage can deform cells, causing internal short circuits and subsequent fires.
4. Toxic Gas Emissions
- In the event of a fire, lithium-ion batteries release toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride, which pose serious inhalation hazards.
5. Environmental and Disposal Risks
- Improper disposal of damaged or degraded batteries can lead to environmental contamination through the release of toxic chemicals into soil and water.
6. Transportation Risks
- Shipping large quantities of batteries carries significant risks due to their flammability under certain conditions. Many airlines restrict their transport for this reason.
Mitigation Measures
To reduce these risks:
- Implement robust battery management systems.
- Ensure proper storage conditions (e.g., avoiding high temperatures).
- Conduct regular inspections for damage or signs of failure (e.g., swelling or leaking).
- Use certified batteries that meet safety standards.
- Develop emergency response plans for potential incidents.
Understanding these risks is crucial for the safe operation, storage, and transportation of large industrial batteries.
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