Frequently asked questions

Who is Fidra Energy?

Established in 2024, we are an independent battery energy storage company based in Edinburgh.

Our battery energy storage systems (BESS) will help unlock the full potential of renewable energy, supporting a more self-sufficient, resilient and future-ready energy system for Britain.

Backed by leading institutional investors, we plan to develop, build and operate at least 10 gigawatts (GW) of battery storage across the UK and other European markets by 2030. Our Thorpe Marsh Green Energy Hub will play a major role in helping us achieve this ambition. You can find more information on Fidra Energy here.

Up to 150 jobs will be created through the construction and operation of our project.

This includes up to 80 supply chain roles, around 50 construction jobs during the build phase, and a further 15–20 permanent on-site roles once the facility is operational.

Yes, battery energy storage systems are safe.

The technology is well established and already widely used in everyday applications, including mobile phones and electric vehicles. Safety is built into the design through multiple layers of protection, including continuous monitoring and fire suppression systems, which would only activate in the highly unlikely event of overheating.

The batteries are housed in secure, self-contained units, providing an additional layer of protection.

Our site is also located well away from residential properties, helping to minimise any potential impact on local communities.

The risk of fire at a battery energy storage facility is extremely low due to the robust, safety-led design of modern battery systems.

As part of the development process, we have worked closely with local Fire and Rescue Services, environmental health teams and other statutory bodies to ensure the project meets stringent health and safety requirements.

Comprehensive risk assessments are undertaken to identify and manage any potential impacts. This information is also shared with the insurance industry to provide additional independent assurance.

In the highly unlikely event of a fire, it would be contained within an individual battery unit. Built-in monitoring and fire suppression systems provide multiple layers of protection, helping to prevent any spread and minimise risk to the local community.

The site will also have continuous remote monitoring and on-site personnel seven days a week to respond immediately to any alerts.

We want the Thorpe Marsh Green Energy Hub to deliver lasting benefits for communities near the site. To support this, we have established a £20,000 annual Community Fund to help local groups, organisations and community initiatives.

You can find out more on our Community Fund page here.

These are our established working hours, as agreed with the local authority:

  • Monday to Friday: 7am – 7pm for earthworks and construction activities
  • Saturday: 7am – 1pm for earthworks and 9am – 4pm for construction activities
  • No works will occur on Sundays or bank holidays unless approved by the local authority.

Construction activity outside the agreed working hours at the Thorpe Marsh Green Energy Hub would only take place in exceptional circumstances.

This may include activities that comply with agreed noise limits, continuous operations where advance notice has been provided, specifically authorised works, or emergency situations where works are required for safety or operational reasons.

Construction vehicles accessing the Thorpe Marsh Green Energy Hub use an approved route in accordance with the Construction Traffic Management Plan agreed with the local authority. This route involves vehicles turning off the A19 onto Arksey Lane and travelling east along Arksey Lane. They will then turn left off Fordstead Lane, onto Marsh Lane and then use the access road to reach the site. This same route will be used to exit the site.

All suppliers and drivers are instructed to follow this route to help minimise impacts on local roads and surrounding communities.

Please note that not all HGVs and agricultural vehicles using local roads are associated with the project. The surrounding road network is also regularly used by other commercial traffic and farm machinery unrelated to our project.

Vehicle movements will vary depending on the phase of construction activity taking place. Traffic levels are monitored throughout the construction period, and drivers are regularly reminded to use approved routes and drive considerately at all times.

A range of measures are also in place to help manage construction traffic and reduce impacts on the local area, including ongoing coordination with the local authority.

If you have any concerns or questions regarding construction traffic, you can contact our community relations team by emailing info@thorpemarsh.co.uk or calling 0800 538 5397.

Although the batteries themselves operate silently, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems generate a low level of noise — around 65 decibels at a distance of five metres, which is comparable to the sound of a normal conversation.

Our site is located well away from residential properties, helping to ensure that any potential noise impact is kept to a minimum.

Our project is designed to last and we expect it to have an operational lifespan of up to 50 years.

This lifespan could be extended further in the future, depending on advances in technology and the continued performance of the site.