There are growing concerns that plans for a huge battery energy storage systems (BESS) facility near Truro could be “catastrophic” if a fire broke out. The close proximity to two major hospitals has been described as “crazy”, “madness” and “idiotic”.

Elgin Energy has applied to Cornwall Council for the installation and operation of the battery storage on farmland, currently used for the raising of red deer, at Great Roseveth near Shortlanesend.

If approved, the development would consist of 60 battery storage modules around 10ft high, and other associated infrastructure including a substation, which is designed to store and discharge electricity to meet peak supply and demand periods.

The total electricity storage capacity of the development is expected to be up to 100 megawatts. The construction phase would be approximately 20 weeks and it would have an operational lifespan of 50 years, after which it would be decommissioned and the land returned to its existing state.

We have previously reported on concerns in the area about the effect it could have on the neighbouring Penrose Water Gardens attraction and Cornish Barista café. Since our story was published in March, that concern has widened.

Over 30 residents opposed to the plan met in Shortlanesend Village Hall on Thursday, May 15, to air their fears and learn about the planning process from Cornwall councillors for the area, Dulcie Tudor and Karen La Borde. Kenwyn Parish Council opposed the proposal following a presentation by Elgin Energy on Monday, May 12.

A resident told the public meeting: “Those types of batteries can overheat and there’s a risk of thermal issues. They can explode and cause a fire. If there is a fire, it’s extremely difficult to extinguish and it gives off toxic fumes, which can be lethal. To me, bringing such an ecological monster to a place where there are so many people – children and families – is just crazy.”

The meeting heard that in reality the risk of a fire would be very small and there would be fire suppressants within the battery storage units. However, those present said if there was a fire there would still be the likelihood of toxic fumes. A number of Shortlanesend residents were surprised and concerned that Public Health had not commented on the application.

There are a growing number of comments from those opposed to the application on Cornwall Council’s planning portal.

Martin Rogers, who spoke at the public meeting, wrote: “Generally, in my view BESS facilities should NOT be located in the open countryside given their carbon footprint and significant environmental risks. I support clean and renewable energy but in the right location. The proposed development is in the wrong location, there are significant risks to the environment, wildlife and public safety, local businesses and livelihoods are at risk and the applicants have chosen an inappropriate site.”

He added: “BESS fires and explosions have been widely reported around the world and this is a major reason to refuse the application. A primary concern is ‘thermal runaway’ where a cell’s temperature rises uncontrollably, leading to overheating and potential fire. This can be triggered by overcharging, internal short circuits or manufacturing defects. The risks of lithium battery technology are increased by the fact that the proposed site is unstaffed, operated remotely and with limited maintenance records, in a rural area far from the nearest fire station.”

The retired technical engineer said: “The proximity to Cornwall’s main hospital [Royal Cornwall Hospital] and private hospital [Duchy Hospital] is madness! The immediate threat to life is unacceptable both to patients and staff. Both hospitals are with one mile of the proposed BESS location and the blast area from past fires and explosions during a fire burning for, say, two days puts both on a critical footing.

“Thermal release causes fires, possible explosions and toxic smoke and elsewhere in the world has led to full evacuations within a one to five-mile radius. Just imagine what this would mean to both hospitals? It would be catastrophic to say the least – how would the hospitals evacuate, where would 700-plus patients be transferred to? This, of course, does not include all of the neighbouring residents of which I am one and the whole of the valley and Shortlanesend.”

Other residents have raised concerns about the effect on wildlife, noise and possible pollution of nearby watercourses.

Terry Gill said on the planning website: “The idea of putting something so dangerous so close to schools, housing estates, not to mention a major hospital is idiotic. The noise factor alone is bad enough but to have heavy trucks running up and down a very narrow lane is in itself dangerous. I’m sure there are more suitable sites that are away from public amenities; to put it on a site where there’s a café and where deer roam is ludicrous.”

Holly Storey, a recent conservation biology graduate, wrote: “The peace and tranquillity of this area are integral to our daily lives and the introduction of a noisy industrial installation, particularly in the bowl of a valley which amplifies all sound, would significantly degrade our quality of life and enjoyment of the environment. In such an ecologically sensitive and socially valued location, a development like this is entirely inappropriate.”

At the parish council meeting, a planning representative for Elgin said the company had sought advice from the fire and rescue service at the pre-application stages. They said that there was a “very low risk” of a fire, but steps would be taken to manage any risk and ensure things are controlled, including a buffer zone from combustible vegetation and access roads, and separation between the factory units themselves. Cornwall Fire And Rescue Service has not yet commented on the application.

Elgin’s supporting planning statement says: “The use of batteries is a safe technology since each lithium-based cell is self-contained and grouped within dedicated containers separated by areas of gravel which will be kept free of vegetation or other material that could act to spread a fire. The BESS, containers and auxiliary system, such as cooling, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), fire detection and suppression systems, monitoring and control, will be designed in accordance with recognised good practice guidance.”

We have contacted Elgin Energy for a response to residents’ concerns, but have yet to receive any comment.