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Project Overview
Client
Robert Cole Civil Engineering Ltd
Location
Glassenbury, Kent
Date Complete
2026
Sector
Utilities
Background
Robert Cole Civil Engineering Ltd is a UK contractor specialising in groundworks and civil engineering, with a strong focus on renewable energy projects such as solar farms, wind turbine foundations, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) installations.
For this project, the contractor partnered with a specialist renewable energy engineering company with extensive experience in the BESS sector. Building a new battery energy storage site in the rural countryside meant they required an effective solution to manage operational noise while maintaining strong site security and compliance near neighbouring land.
Challenge
Battery energy storage sites are essential infrastructure, but they present a unique combination of operational and environmental challenges. These installations house high value equipment, including inverters, transformers, and battery units, which generate noise during operation, primarily from cooling systems and electrical components. In this rural environment, where background noise levels are very low, even moderate operational sound can become noticeable and disruptive to nearby residents.
The site is adjacent to agricultural land with active farming operations, so protecting the neighbouring farmers from noise disturbance was a key requirement from both a planning and community relations perspective. Failure to adequately manage noise levels could result in complaints, regulatory issues, or reputational damage.
As with many BESS developments, the site’s remote rural location means it is more vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and unauthorised access. The presence of high value, critical equipment means that robust physical security was essential, yet traditional fencing solutions such as mesh, while offering visibility and deterrence, did not address the additional requirement for noise mitigation.
- The project therefore required a solution that could serve multiple purposes:
- Effective noise reduction to protect nearby residents and farmers
- Strong physical security to safeguard valuable infrastructure
- Compliance with environmental and planning regulations
- Durability and structural integrity suitable for a rural environment
- A visually appropriate finish that would integrate with the surrounding landscape
Solution
To meet the project’s requirements, we supplied and installed 156 metres of 5 metre high Jakoustic® Commercial and Highway acoustic fencing, surrounding three sides of the area.
Designed for large scale and demanding environments, this solution combines effective noise mitigation with robust site security.
The acoustic barrier installation included a 25 metre straight section, a 115 metre run, and a 27 metre section incorporating corners. The overall scale and height of the barrier added engineering complexity, requiring careful consideration of wind loading, structural stability, and installation logistics.
To ensure strength and durability, the system is constructed using galvanised steel I beam posts, set and concreted into the ground. These posts provide the necessary structural support for taller fencing applications. The steel I beams are fitted with timber nailing battens bolted to the front of the posts, allowing the acoustic fence panels to be securely fixed and provide a complete timber facade. This level of structural integrity is particularly important for tall fencing systems in exposed rural locations, where weather conditions can be unpredictable.
The installation of acoustic barriers delivered a comprehensive solution that addressed both noise and light mitigation and site security. The reflective acoustic barrier contains and redirects operational noise and light from the battery energy storage equipment, significantly reducing its impact on neighbouring farmland and allowing the site to operate efficiently without disturbing surrounding land use.
In addition to noise and light control, the acoustic barriers provided a robust physical security measure. Their solid construction, with interlocking boards and no visible handholds or footholds, enhances security by preventing climbing and restricting visibility into the site, making them more secure than many conventional fencing options. The height of the barrier further enhances protection, acting as a strong visual and physical deterrent to potential intruders. Given the high value and critical nature of the equipment within the BESS site, this level of security is essential.
Although security and performance were the primary drivers, the visual impact of the fencing was also carefully considered. The timber-faced panels provide a more natural appearance than industrial alternatives, helping the installation blend into the surrounding landscape and reducing its visual prominence.
Conclusion
This project highlights the growing importance of acoustic barriers in modern renewable energy infrastructure, particularly for battery energy storage systems. As BESS sites become more widespread, often located closer to communities or agricultural land, the need to balance operational efficiency with environmental sensitivity is increasingly critical.
By integrating noise control and security into a single system, acoustic barriers deliver a practical, durable, and compliant solution tailored to the demands of modern BESS installations. The result is a secure, compliant, and community conscious installation that supports the UK’s transition to a cleaner energy future.
Related content
Case Study: Security fencing for a battery storage facility
Why Acoustic Barriers Are Essential for Battery Energy Storage Sites
Products Used
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