The energy transition needs noise protection – especially for large BESS plants

"The energy transition needs noise protection. Only then will all projects that are currently being implemented or planned accepted by the population." This is the clear statement of noise protection expert Erwin Königsberger from Rau Geosysteme Süd GmbH, based in Kaufbeuren. The leading supplier of ecological, greenable noise barriers such as the Rau Klimawand R3 is currently involved in a whole series of sustainable infrastructure projects in which large-scale battery storage systems, so-called BESS systems, are installed.

"Especially with these large storage solutions, it is immensely important that those involved in the project and, first and foremost, of course, the operators of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems think about noise protection. Because the noise emissions from the operation of the huge inverters, fans and technical ancillary units should not be underestimated," says Königsberger.

In fact, noise protection for the energy transition is currently booming. "We get new inquiries almost every day, even from operators who have only realized afterwards that they have to take care of noise protection as quickly as possible so that there is no trouble with the people who live in the neighborhood. After all, the residents don't want to handle earplugs day and night. If you want to prevent shouting against inverter noise, you have to act," says Königsberger. In his opinion, noise protection for the storage and inverter systems is mandatory, especially at distances of less than 500 meters from the residential area.

Good for operators of large-scale or agri-PV systems who rely on battery energy storage systems (BESS) for their projects: Specialist suppliers such as Rau Geosysteme Süd GmbH offer modular solutions that ensure peace and quiet even in the tightest of spaces and can usually be retrofitted.

"We can offer a four-metre-high noise protection solution even if the maximum width is only 1.20 or 1.40 metres. Then we take the narrow Rau Rock in this section with prefabricated steel beams and the filling of hydrophobic rock wool and sound insulation board. In areas with more space, the green climate wall R3 is an excellent fit," says Königsberger.

For the planners and operators, the noise protection for energy transition projects, which is thought through and planned, is a measure from the point of view: little effort, maximum profit for their business idea. "Large-scale PV projects usually have an investment volume in the double-digit million range. The costs for functioning noise protection are really a very small share. But it is the most important one when it comes to ensuring that the local people should also be behind the project. This is only possible if they are not restricted in their quality of life," says Königsberger.

Here, the noise protection expert from the Allgäu also sees the municipal decision-makers as responsible. "It's great that many cities and municipalities are driving the energy transition forward and are looking ahead to projects with BESS plants. However, they must also take the people with them and ensure that the population is also behind the projects and, ideally, actively participates in them," says Königsberger.