The construction of the first of five energy storage systems in batteries at the Scottish Power South Substation has just begun, but local residents are already complaining about issues related to this project. People living near the project, north of the Kilmarnock South Substation, say they have to deal with traffic jams, construction noise, light pollution at night, as well as damages to roads and sewage networks due to truck traffic.
Zenobe, a leader in fleet electrification and energy storage in batteries, is increasing its energy storage capacity in Scotland by starting the construction of a 500 MW facility in Kilmarnock. It is planned that this investment will be operational by the end of 2025 and is a strategic step for Zenobe in maximizing renewable energy sources and reducing the costs of wasted wind energy for consumers.
Residents near the project, between HMP Kilmarnock prison and the A77 road near Shortlees, feel that their lives have been “put on hold” since the beginning of the construction works on January 18. Residents have been informed that there are expected to be about 10,000 vehicle movements within the next two years as part of this single project – if other proposed projects are implemented, disruptions will be much greater and last for decades. Kirsteen Watson, who has been living in her home for 17 years, said, “The first power plant is supposed to be one of the largest in Europe to date, and it’s happening right on our doorstep.”
The main problem is that a road unfit for heavy vehicle traffic is being used. It is a class C road. In some places, there is barely enough space for two cars to pass, despite designated lay-bys by Zenobe as part of planning conditions. There are no road signs, street lights, or sidewalks. Now we have to deal with numerous trucks every day, and the noise is significant. My neighbors and I cannot ride horses on this road or safely walk our dogs. Personally, I would be reluctant to walk on this road due to passing trucks. We don’t have sidewalks. We only have very uneven verges where we can stand to get off the road,” she said.
The residents in this area feel like they have been left on the sidelines. Many of them have made interventions with the local council, the Scottish government, and Zenobe itself to get answers to their questions and concerns. The project aims to save £1 billion in energy costs for families over the next 15 years. At the same time, it is expected to prevent the emission of 3,400,000 tons of CO2 during the same period. However, residents remain skeptical and worried about the long-term effects of this project on their daily lives and the beauty of the surrounding nature.
FAQ Section
1. What complaints do residents have about the battery energy storage project?
Residents complain about issues related to traffic jams, construction noise, light pollution at night, and damages to roads and sewage networks.
2. Who is responsible for the construction of the energy storage facility in Kilmarnock?
Zenobe is a leader in fleet electrification and energy storage in batteries. They are the ones increasing their energy storage capacity in Scotland through the construction of a 500 MW facility.
3. What are Zenobe’s investment goals?
The investment aims to maximize renewable energy sources and reduce the costs of wasted wind energy for consumers.
4. Why do residents feel like their lives have been “put on hold”?
Residents near the project, between HMP Kilmarnock prison and the A77 road, feel like their lives have been “put on hold” since the beginning of the construction works. They have been informed about approximately 10,000 vehicle movements within two years as part of this project, and if other proposed projects are implemented, disruptions will be greater and last for decades.
5. What is the problem with the road used by heavy vehicles?
The road used for the battery energy storage project is a class C road that is unfit for such high volumes of heavy vehicle traffic. In some places, there is barely enough space for two cars to pass, and there is a lack of road signs, street lights, and sidewalks.
6. How are residents influencing the project?
Residents have made interventions with the local council, the Scottish government, and Zenobe itself to get answers to their questions and concerns.
7. What are the expected benefits and impacts of the project?
The project aims to save £1 billion in energy costs for families over the next 15 years and prevent the emission of 3,400,000 tons of CO2. However, residents are concerned about the project’s long-term effects on their daily lives and the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Definitions:
– Power plant – a facility that generates electrical energy.
– Road signs – markings on the road used to direct traffic and inform drivers of various rules and restrictions.
– Street lighting – a system of illuminating roads during the night for safety and orientation.
– Sidewalks – pedestrian paths alongside roads.
Suggested Related Links:
– Zenobe
– Scottish Power
The source of the article is from the blog hashtagsroom.com