I’ve read through all 116 pages of the Chint Solar ‘Request for EIA Screening Opinion’ that’s been submitted to Wirral Council and unusually, there is no specific mention of a battery energy storage system (BESS) component within the design. The Chint Solar ‘Request for EIA Screening Opinion’ is comprehensive and covers lots of areas, but this apparent omission is a little concerning. Admittedly, there are three vague references to ‘associated infrastructure’, but if a BESS is planned (with the associated fire / toxic fumes risk), it really ought to have been specified – and in close detail.
The above headline question was put to the Brave Browser AI chatbot. I don’t place much trust in AI systems because they’re prone to error, but it’s always interesting to see how they respond:
“As of January 3, 2026, the proposed Chint Solar farm in Thurstaston, Wirral, is currently under review by Wirral Council, and there is no definitive information confirming whether a battery energy storage system (BESS) will be included in the final development. The application submitted by Chint Solar focuses on a 27-hectare solar farm on green belt land, with the company emphasizing its contribution to the UK’s Net Zero targets and energy security. However, the documents do not explicitly state the inclusion or exclusion of a BESS, and no official decision has been made on the project’s scope.
The application highlights the solar farm’s potential to contribute significantly to renewable energy generation and carbon reduction, but it does not specify whether a battery storage system will be co-located.
While BESS systems are commonly integrated with large-scale solar projects to enhance grid stability and energy availability, the current application does not confirm such a component for the Thurstaston site.
Concerns have been raised by local authorities and residents about the environmental and landscape impact of the solar farm, particularly due to its proximity to the Dee estuary and listed buildings, but these concerns do not address the presence or absence of a BESS.
As of now, the proposal remains in the planning phase, and the inclusion of a BESS is not confirmed in the publicly available documentation.
Therefore, it’s currently uncertain whether the proposed Chint Solar farm in Thurstaston will include a battery energy storage system.”
WIIT: ‘What are the advantages or disadvantages of not incorporating a battery energy storage system within the final design if it is indeed constructed?’
“Advantages of Not Including a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Not incorporating a BESS in the Chint Solar farm design could reduce upfront capital costs and system complexity, making the project more financially viable in the short term. It would also eliminate concerns related to battery safety risks, such as thermal runaway or fire hazards, and reduce environmental impacts associated with battery manufacturing and disposal.
Lower installation and maintenance expenses.
Simplified permitting and grid connection processes.
Avoidance of battery degradation and replacement costs over the system’s 25–30 year lifespan.
Solar farm without battery storage economic benefits
Disadvantages of Not Including a BESS
Without a BESS, the solar farm would only generate electricity during daylight hours, limiting its ability to supply power during peak demand periods in the evening or during grid outages. This reduces grid stability and energy reliability, especially during periods of solar intermittency or unbalanced loads.
Increased harmonic distortion (THD up to 6.27%) and reduced power quality compared to systems with BESS (THD as low as 3.27%)
Inability to perform load shifting or time-of-use optimization, missing opportunities to stabilize the grid and maximize revenue
Lower contribution to voltage regulation and frequency control, which are critical for modern grid resilience
Studies show that integrating BESS with solar farms significantly improves power quality and grid integration, especially under variable weather and load conditions.”
In light of this, if I was a Wirral councillor or senior officer evaluating this scheme, I would be asking some very searching questions of the applicant.
I am a qualified electrical engineer. I once worked for Manweb – the old pre-privatisation electricity board – and later for two different councils.
Whilst definitely not an ‘expert’ in this field, I would say that within this proposed solar construction, the operational advantages of including a battery energy storage system definitely OUTWEIGH the disadvantages.
Is it necessary to include battery energy storage systems as part of a solar or wind ‘farm’? No, it’s not necessary. However, it only makes good sense to do so, since the sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow; yet we require the electricity to always be available and waiting for us when we need it…!
Before anybody gets the wrong impression, I – and many of my friends – remain opposed to solar ‘farms’ and wind turbines in principle, and not simply due to where they might be located. They should not be located anywhere! Which sets us apart from those NIMBY types who don’t want them in Thurstaston, Hoylake or West Kirby, but are fine and dandy if they’re allowed to carpet large areas of Seacombe or Birkenhead.
Return to Bomb Alley 1982 – The Falklands Deception, by Paul Cardin
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