Harker Moss BESS
Project Overview
Harker Moss BESS is a 360MW battery energy storage project located on low-grade land to the north and east of Harker Moss. The site contains 184 battery energy storage units with associated infrastructure. The land has been degraded over time by agriculture, peat extraction and intensive drainage.
The development as proposed provides additional essential energy infrastructure in support of UK renewable energy generation and carbon reduction policies and targets nationally.
The project supports the transition to a flexible, low-carbon electricity system by helping balance supply and demand as more renewable generation connects to the network. Battery storage helps reduce wasted renewable electricity and supports grid stability.
The installation of a Battery Energy Storage System such as the one proposed for Harker Moss, assists in mitigating the impact of frequency volatility caused by the renewable energy schemes which are essential to meeting national targets.
| Project Name | Harker Moss BESS |
| Project Company | ESB (Harker) Ltd |
| Technology | Battery Energy Storage System |
| Capacity | 360MW |
| Battery units | 184 |
| Council | Cumbernauld |
| Planning Application | 24/0680 |
| Planning Status | Approved |
| Approval Date | 09/07/2025 |
Ecology
County Wildlife Site
Harker Moss is designated a county wildlife site but has over the years been extensively worked and degraded.
Lowland Raised Bogs, once common around the Solway Estuary offer a unique wildlife habitat, but many, including Harker Moss have been drained for agriculture and peat extraction.
Full Ecological Survey
A full ecological survey has been undertaken across the site. The findings and recommendations have informed the project design, mitigation measures and habitat restoration proposals.
ESB (Harker) Ltd seeks to protect and enhance the existing site ecology by investing in the long-term preservation and restoration of the habitat.
Peatland Restoration Plan
Working with Cumbria Wildlife Trust, ESB (Harker) Ltd has prepared a peatland restoration plan for the site. The plan seeks to re-wet areas of Harker Moss and support the restoration of viable lowland raised bog habitat.
The battery storage compound is proposed on low-grade depleted land. The wider project will help fund and facilitate restoration of the remaining moss, supporting habitat recovery and long-term carbon storage.
Community Benefit
A community benefit fund will be created alongside further community opportunities as part of the development.
A community and charitable benefit fund will be created and implemented once the development is operational. Further to this we plan to provide opportunities for locals to enjoy the reclaimed Peat habitat with walking and wildlife spotting access.
Technical Details
Noise
A full noise impact assessment has been undertaken with suitable mitigation measures to prevent an increase in background levels.
ESB (Harker) Ltd understands the impact that noise can have on a local community and propose that this development does nothing to adversely affect the surrounding area.
Flood Risk & Drainage
A flood and drainage assessment has been commissioned and undertaken for the site alongside the proposals for re-wetting the peat land habitat.
The site is not affected by flooding and nor will it contribute to any flooding elsewhere. A full drainage strategy has been engineered for the battery site.
Archeology and heritage
A full Historic Environment Desk Based Assessment has been undertaken and submitted as part of the Planning Application.
The Moss has a low potential for any architectural finds and much of its original area has been lost to Harker Substation and The construction of the M6 Motorway which cuts through the original footprint.
Arboricultural Report
A full Arboricultural Report to BS5837 has been undertaken for the site and submitted as part of the Planning Application.
Trees affected by the development have been surveyed and graded into categories. In general recorded trees are of low quality. Where possible ESB (Harker) Ltd seek to retain any trees of significant quality.
Landscape and Visual Impact
A landscape and visual appraisal has been undertaken on behalf of ESB (Harker ) Ltd and submitted as part of the Planning Application for the proposal. Consideration has been given to the visibility of the proposed site from a number of locations within the study area and the potential effect on local residents and transport users.
Whilst it is envisaged that there will be some impact on the visual landscape, primarily during construction, this will have limited effect on stakeholders. As the site develops this visual impact will reduce and topography and vegetation will limit any ongoing impact., Especially on the South West side of the site where the Moss restoration works will be ongoing separately to the Battery Energy Storage System Installation. As part of the development ESB (Harker) Ltd is committed to implementing a scheme of landscape mitigation planting in the area of the site directly impacted by the Battery Energy Storage System with potential planting and screening opportunities identified.
Operation and Safety
Operation
The proposed operation of the Harker Moss Battery Energy Storage System will bring opportunities for local employment throughout the construction phase and throughout its lifespan.
ESB (Harker) Ltd are committed to local procurement where possible and ensuring access is safely maintained during construction and ongoing operation.
Safety
Modern battery energy storage systems are designed with multiple layers of safety protection, including monitoring, control systems, spacing, emergency access and fire safety measures. All relevant legislation has been considered and will be fully implemented.
ESB (Harker) Ltd are committed to providing a safe environment for those working and living in the vicinity of the Harker Moss Battery Energy Storage System.
Fire
As battery energy storage systems become more common across the UK, fire safety guidance continues to develop. The Harker Moss BESS design includes appropriate unit spacing, fire safety measures, emergency access and pollution prevention measures.
The project is being designed with reference to relevant guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council and in consultation with Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.
The Harker Moss BESS is being designed to all relevant fire safety guidance as issued by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and in consultation with Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.
Security
As Battery Energy Storage Systems form part of the critical national infrastructure, security is paramount in the final design solution at the Harker Moss Battery Energy Storage System.
ESB (Harker) Ltd have consulted Cumbria Police on issues relating to counter-terrorism security and designing out crime and will be implementing, in full, the recommendations made in reference to the Harker Moss Development.