Acoustic Barriers for Battery Energy Storage System Site

Robert Cole Civil Engineering Ltd, a UK contractor specialising in groundworks and civil engineering for renewable energy projects, was appointed to support the development of a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) site in a rural location.

Working alongside a specialist renewable energy engineering company with extensive experience in the BESS sector, the project required a solution that could effectively manage operational noise while also delivering robust site security and supporting planning compliance.

BESS facilities play a vital role in the UK's transition to renewable energy, but they present specific operational challenges. Equipment such as battery units, transformers, and inverters generate noise during operation, primarily through cooling and electrical systems. In rural environments, where background noise levels are typically low, this operational sound can become more noticeable to neighbouring landowners and local communities.

The site is adjacent to agricultural land, making noise mitigation a key consideration from both a planning and community relations perspective. In addition, the remote nature of the location increased the risk of theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access. Traditional security fencing solutions could provide perimeter protection but would not address the need for effective acoustic performance. The project therefore required a multi-functional solution capable of reducing noise, enhancing security, meeting environmental requirements, and complementing the surrounding landscape.

To meet these objectives, Jacksons supplied and installed 156 metres of 5m high Jakoustic® Commercial and Highway acoustic fencing around three sides of the site. The installation comprised several sections, including straight runs and corner configurations, creating a continuous acoustic and security barrier around the critical infrastructure.

Given the scale and height of the fencing, the design required careful engineering consideration. Galvanised steel I-beam posts were concreted into the ground to provide the structural strength necessary for exposed rural conditions and high wind loads. Timber nailing battens were fixed to the posts, allowing the acoustic boards to be securely installed while maintaining a complete timber façade.

The completed barrier provides significant acoustic and light mitigation, helping to contain and redirect operational noise generated by the energy storage equipment. This reduces the impact on neighbouring farmland, enabling the facility to operate efficiently while minimising disturbance to surrounding land users.

Alongside its acoustic performance, the fencing delivers a high level of security. The solid construction restricts visibility into the site and removes potential climbing points, creating an effective physical and visual deterrent. The timber-faced design also offers a more natural appearance than many industrial alternatives, helping the development blend more sympathetically into the rural landscape.

This project demonstrates how acoustic barriers can provide an effective dual-purpose solution for modern renewable energy infrastructure, combining noise control and site protection in a single, durable system that supports both operational requirements and community considerations.