The journey towards a greener future is well underway, and battery energy storage systems (BESS) are proving central to this transformation. Wales, a global exporter of electricity, stands at a pivotal moment. While we lead in renewable generation, local communities are yet to fully benefit from this progress. BESS offers a crucial solution, enabling us to store surplus electricity for use during times of high demand. This ensures grid stability, supports decarbonisation, and creates new green jobs in sectors such as engineering and technology.
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However, the rapid and often unregulated rise of BESS projects across Wales cannot be overlooked. While the technology is vital, concerns about the scale, safety, and proximity of some developments are mounting. In particular, sites like the proposed Ynni Celyn facility in Gwyddelwern—one of the largest in Europe—have raised alarm among residents due to the project’s vast scale and closeness to homes. Community fears around potential fire risks and environmental hazards, as seen in high-profile international incidents, must be taken seriously.
What’s currently lacking is a robust national framework to regulate these developments. A moratorium on large-scale BESS projects exceeding 250MWh within one kilometre of homes would give time to assess safety and establish clear, science-based planning policy. This is not a rejection of clean energy, but a call to deliver it responsibly—balancing innovation with public trust and safety. It mirrors recent reforms abroad, such as California’s post-incident regulations, and would provide reassurance to communities across Wales.
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We must ensure that our transition to net zero is not only fast, but fair. The Welsh Government should urgently commission an independent risk assessment to inform future planning standards. Clean energy must also mean safe energy. By prioritising both sustainability and safety, Wales can continue to lead the green revolution—without compromising the wellbeing of its communities.
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