Letters / Considerable astonishment
Chris Cope’s interesting article of 6/12/2023 on the planned lithium battery storage plant and its potential location adjacent to the Lerwick Power Station raised a number of points both SIC and the local general population should be concerned about.
SIC to offer no objections to battery storage plan but some concerns linger
One significant issue has to remain whether this is an optimal proposal. It seemed in that regard of considerable astonishment that the reported developer of the plan and location, Zenobe, apparently was unaware of ‘in exact terms’ what gases would be given off in any fire.
The comment also on any fire being just to let it burn out over several hours as the optimal solution also seemed curious, but surely made it even more important to be aware of just what and how much detritus would enter the atmosphere and at what radius.
This seems an absolutely key issue with regard to the project and any sanction re location particularly in areas adjacent to population. It would be worth the company, and SIC on behalf of as representatives of said population, prioritising their knowledge on the subject before proceeding to spend more time and money on taking the matter forward, or not, as the case might optionally be.
Alternatively on gaining knowledge and assessment thereafter of data, perhaps consider development at an alternative location such as Sullom Voe.
We have all seen vehicle fires reported on for example where the batteries burn for an extended period of time, at high heat intensity, and with considerable gas emission of various particles.
The link below gives an indication of just what they are and how they might disperse:
Andrew Marshall
East Kilbride
