UXO Risk and Battery Storage Projects | What Developers Should Consider

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are rapidly becoming a critical part of the UK’s renewable energy landscape. As more intermittent sources like wind and solar are added to the grid, storage helps balance supply and demand, making it essential for the country’s net zero ambitions.

However, as battery storage systems continue to be built across the UK, there’s one important issue that can get overlooked in the early planning stages: unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Why Battery Storage Sites May Be at Risk

Many battery storage sites are chosen for their lower land costs and proximity to existing infrastructure or energy projects. This often leads developers to rural or underused land, including agricultural fields, former airfields, brownfield plots and areas adjacent to military training grounds. These are exactly the kinds of locations where wartime activity or historic military use could have left behind explosive remnants.

Even if a site looks unremarkable today, its history might tell a very different story, and those risks aren’t always visible on the surface.

UXO Risk Beyond the Surface

Battery installations may seem relatively low impact compared to large solar or wind farms, but they can still require significant ground disturbance. Site preparations, underground cabling, grid connections and access tracks all involve excavation.

This is where UXO risks become more relevant. If intrusive works intersect with areas of historical military activity, albeit from WWII bombing, Allied defence activities, munitions testing or military training, the project could face costly delays, safety issues, and planning complications.

Co-Located Risks in Hybrid Projects

Battery storage is increasingly being added to existing or planned renewable energy developments, but it’s a mistake to assume that previous UXO work on a site automatically covers the new installation. Often, the battery units are placed in different locations, and the depth or method of construction may differ. That means a fresh UXO assessment may still be needed, even if a risk assessment has already been carried out elsewhere on the site.

Planning for UXO Risk

The best time to consider UXO is early in the development process and well ahead of breaking ground. A Preliminary UXO Risk Assessment can quickly identify whether a site has a known or suspected risk based on its history. If needed, a Detailed UXO Risk Assessment and further risk mitigation can follow, in line with CIRIA C681.

Supporting Safe, On-Time Delivery

Brimstone UXO supports developers and contractors throughout the battery project lifecycle, from early-stage risk identification to surveys and on-site support. Our in-house team of specialists can help you understand whether your site carries a credible UXO risk and what steps are needed to manage it safely and cost-effectively.

If you’re planning a battery storage project — standalone or co-located — and want to be confident your site is safe, get in touch for clear, practical advice.

Email: enquire@brimstoneuxo.com
Call: 020 7117 2492
Submit a contact form: www.brimstoneuxo.com/contact/

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