I recently visited the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to meet with the Minister for Energy about solar battery arrays. I wanted to know that everything would be done that should be to check that batteries at Cleve Hill Solar Farm are safe before they’re switched on. And very simply, I wanted to know who is responsible for battery safety at installations like Cleve Hill.
Cleve Hill claims they’ll “ensure that all obligations within the Battery Safety Management Plan are met” before, during, and after the batteries are delivered and installed. But who is holding them accountable?
The Minister claimed the responsibility is shared between Swale Borough Council, the Health and Safety Executive, the Environment Agency, and Kent Fire and Rescue. I’ve asked them all, but none if them have committed to inspecting the site before it goes live.
That’s why I pressed the Minister for a proactive – not just reactive – approach to inspections. As a result, officials have agreed to raise my concerns about pre-switch-on inspections at their next Electrical Storage Health and Safety Governance Group meeting. I’ll keep you updated on what comes of it.
It’s bad enough that Graveney residents have lost the beautiful marshes on their doorstep to such a massive piece of infrastructure. With Cleve Hill set to become the largest solar farm in Europe, the very least these organisations can do is provide locals with the safety reassurances they deserve.
