Wales Faces Surge of 87 Battery Storage Applications Amid Safety Concerns

Efforts to transition to cleaner energy are encountering challenges related to the development and safety of battery energy storage systems (BESS) and renewable energy projects. In the U.S., President Trump has signed an executive order to revive the coal industry, but market trends favor renewables and energy storage, such as a Stanford project converting retired coal plants into thermal energy storage facilities. In South England, there is significant overcapacity in planned solar and battery projects, leading to criticism that developers are exploiting loopholes to secure approvals without actual grid connection needs, risking permanent environmental and agricultural damage. In Ontario, the Federation of Agriculture recommends stricter setback rules and safety standards for BESS facilities near farmland to protect high-quality soil and rural communities. Similarly, in Wales, the surge of BESS applications has been described as a "wild west" scenario with concerns about safety risks due to fires and proximity to residential areas, prompting calls for stronger regulations and community protections. These issues highlight tensions between the urgent need for renewable energy infrastructure and the necessity of responsible, safe, and community-sensitive planning.