Societal Acceptability of Large Stationary Battery Storage Systems

Abstract

Large stationary battery storage (BS) has experienced rapid growth, but only few studies have examined the social acceptability of these. An online survey is conducted by examining the visual impact (location and design) of BS on acceptability. Analyses indicate that BS is more readily accepted in industrial and rural areas compared to residential areas or the participants’ immediate neighborhoods. Adapting the design of BS to its surroundings can help to increase acceptability in residential areas, whereas battery storage design does not significantly influence acceptability in locations further away from homes. Finally, findings concerning public support for diverse mitigation measures with regard to the siting of BS in residential areas show that environmental mitigation measures are most supported. The findings support the notion that the location and design of BS affect technology acceptability. When possible, BS should be built away from residential areas, for which acceptability is rather low. On the other hand, especially industrial areas emerge as a promising location for siting battery storage, with acceptability being very high. If BS is built close to or in residential areas, attention should be paid to minimizing visual intrusion by adapting the exterior of the infrastructure toward its surroundings.