Local MP speaks up for battery storage safety in Parliament

During a debate in Parliament on solar farms, Harrogate and Knaresborough’s MP, Tom Gordon, has spoken on the need for proper safety provisions for battery storage, which is often installed alongside solar farms to ensure that excess electricity can be stored. 

Tom has had lots of residents in the village of Scotton, where a solar farm is to be constructed, contact him concerned about the impact of the farm, with many raising potential issues around safety with the planned battery storage site that will go alongside the farm. 

In recent weeks, Tom has met with the companies involved in the Scotton solar farm project, including those responsible both for the panels themselves and for the battery storage. He has raised the concerns of his constituents, and asked what the companies can and are doing to alleviate those. He has also tabled an amendment to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill that would make the fire service a “statutory consultee” on battery storage projects. 

In Parliament, Tom raised the concerns of his constituents, and urged the Government and MPs to support his amendment. 

Commenting, Tom said: 

“It’s absolutely vital that all battery storage sites are protected and kept safe, to ensure that the effects on residents are kept to an absolute minimum. Whilst battery storage is very unlikely to catch fire and cause harm, it’s an emerging technology and concern is unsurprising. 

“I am pleased that the companies involved have expressed a willingness to ensure the upmost safety standards. North Yorkshire already consults the fire service on projects of this nature, but that should be the case across the country, not just where councils choose to do so. 

“I look forward to continuing to work with the businesses involved and the local community to provide reassurance and appropriate safeguards should the project in Scotton be granted permission.”

ENDS