SAFETY CONCERNS
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The Projects include battery storage facilities. The batteries will be lithium-based, which have a reputation for being unstable and very dangerous if they develop a fault.
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Batteries will be housed in large containers. Faults can occur due to mechanical damage, heat, internal short circuits and poor battery management. When a fault occurs it causes a chemical reaction that does not need oxygen to burn and is therefore very difficult to put out. The only way to stop the reaction is to cool it with vast amounts of water, more than is ever likely to be available at the site. The chemical reaction caused when the batteries fail emits large amounts of toxic gas, mainly hydrogen fluoride, after which explosive gases are given off that can cause substantial explosions.
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You can find out more about the dangers of these battery storage systems here, here and here.
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The chemical reaction caused when the batteries fail emits large amounts of toxic gas, mainly hydrogen fluoride, after which explosive gases are given off that can cause substantial explosions.
INCREASED FLOOD RISK
Laying new tracks and access routes during the construction process will cause compaction of the soil and ongoing maintenance will cause further compaction to the soil which is already less aerated, reducing its ability to absorb rainwater.
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The run-off characteristics of rainwater from solar panels is different to that falling straight to the ground. Generally, rainwater falls evenly over a wide area. The run-off rainwater from solar panels would be concentrated, like rain running into the gutter of a house. When rainfall is heavy, gutters are deluged with water and overpowered. Run-off rainwater from solar panels will create channels and gullies in the soil, causing compaction and speed up the run-off from the site into nearby fields, roads, rivers and other vulnerable areas.
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The run-off rainwater from solar panels will increase flood risks.
