An explosion at a proposed energy storage facility in rural Co Derry could demolish part of a house from 45 metres away, the Health and Safety Executive has said.
Those behind the plans to build the facility, however, insist the risk of fire would be "extremely low" if it gets the green light.
Plans for a 150WMh battery energy storage system near the Gortnaran Road, outside the village of Claudy, have been submitted by a company known as Ballyarton Energy Limited with offices registered at an address in the village.
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Large battery systems appear likely to be built at an increasing rate across Northern Ireland as those responsible for keeping the lights on look for ways to store the energy generated by renewable sources, such as solar and wind.
The UK National Grid describe battery storage technologies as "essential to speeding up the replacement of fossil fuels" that will "play an increasingly pivotal role between green energy supplies and responding to electricity demands".
The proposal to build such a facility near Claudy, however, has been met with dozens of objections from locals raising concerns about "toxic gasses" and "the dangers of fires and explosions".
In its response to a consultation on the planning application, HSE NI said: "HSENI commissioned a hazard assessment regarding the risk of a fire or explosion from a single BESS [Battery Energy Storage System] container.
"In summary, this work demonstrated that: an explosion from a single BESS container can cause an overpressure resulting in the partial demolition of a house up to 45 metres away; a hydrogen fluoride plume generated by a fire can cause serious injury up to 45 metres away."
The public body went on to point out that the nearest dwelling "appears to be around 100 meters" from the proposed development site, and advised the council to confirm that is the case.
The applicants, however, have submitted an "emergency response plan" that insists the risk of fire is low because of "automatic fire suppression systems" alongside proper maintenance and inspection.
The response plan also insists that since the contained in the lihtium battery units are "contained within outer 'cubes' or storage units' there is "no risk of chemicals being released to the environment".
A supporting document submitted to planners also seeks to highlight the green credentials of the proposal, stating that it would "further support the introduction of more sustainable green energy onto the electricity grid" and drive "costs down for consumers by bringing cheaper electricity onto the grid at what would be higher cost times".
Consultation on the planning application remains open.
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