Nairn Energy Storage Project

Anesco Limited is proposing to develop, construct, and operate a 30MW Energy Storage Project on approximately 5 acres of land, located at land at Blackpark Farm, Nairn, Highland, IV12 5HY. 

This website forms part of the formal pre-application consultation process which is undertaken prior to the submission of a formal planning application to the Highland Council (‘the Council’) in the forthcoming months.

Please note that this project was previously consulted in late 2022. However, due to the time that has elapsed since then, we are required to carry out a further consultation process ahead of submitting any planning application.

The proposed development – the installation of a Grid Battery Energy Storage Facility – looks to provide an answer to the intermittent nature of renewable technologies, one of the biggest challenges faced by renewable energy generation.

The land at Blackpark Farm is suitable for an Energy Storage Project because:

  • It’s very close to a viable grid connection
  • Has suitable topography and ground composition
  • Sits away from heritage designations and features
  • Sits outside of any national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty
  • Sits outside of any sites of special scientific interest or ecology sensitive designations
  • Will be set back from wider residential properties, limiting views for the development within the local areas

Furthermore, it is anticipated that planting and hedgerow re-enforcement will be put in place that will be managed throughout its lifespan.

To give your feedback, or for more information, please email [email protected]

Further detail on the proposed development is set out below

Click here to view the Location Plan

CONSULTATION INFORMATION

We are now seeking views from the local community on the proposal! We will be hosting two pre-application public consultation events on the proposed development and welcome your attendance to share your views on this proposal.

The events will be held at the address:

Nairn Community & Arts Centre, Arts Centre, King Street, Nairn, IV12 4BQ

The first event will be held on the:

3rd September 2024 between the hours of 1pm to 7pm

The second event will be held on the:

10th of October 2024 between the hours of 1pm and 7pm

This allows you a chance to come and meet us, and to ask any questions you may have.

For more information please email [email protected]

FEEDBACK

Click here to provide your comments:

Climate change emergency
Battery Storage Technologies
Biodiversity enhancements

Climate change emergency

In June 2019, the UK government became the first major economy in the world to pass laws to end its contribution to global warming by 2050. What this means is that by this date, the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions will be carbon neutral, creating a better environment now, and for generations to come.

Carbon neutral is about finding a balance between the total greenhouse gas emissions being produced, and the total emissions being removed from the environment. This commitment to becoming carbon neutral is a substantial increase on the UK’s previous target and comes at a time when pressure is building on governments to recognise and take urgent action in light of the climate emergency.

About Battery Storage

Battery storage technologies, otherwise known as Battery Energy Storage Systems (‘BESS’), are devices that enable the storage and release of energy generated from renewables, such as solar and wind. The most commonly used storage technology for large scale plants are lithium-ion batteries, which are used in mobile phones and electric cars. National Grid highlights energy storage as a key growth area and estimates that as much as 30GW installed capacity could be required by 2050.

Battery storage has a key part to play in ensuring homes and businesses can be powered by green energy, even when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing. For example, the UK has the largest installed capacity of offshore wind in the world, but the value of clean energy can be increased by increasing the ability to capture this energy and purposefully deploy it, increasing production and potentially reducing costs.

Biodiversity enhancements

The RSPB ‘State of Nature Report’ highlights the severity of the decline in British wildlife. It details that of the 8,431 species that have been assessed using regional Red List criteria, 15% have been classified as threatened with extinction from Great Britain. Climate change is driving widespread changes in the abundance, distribution, and ecology of the UK’s wildlife, and will continue to do so for decades or even centuries to come.

Energy Storage Projects create an excellent opportunity for biodiversity. The proposed solar farm will be installed on piles with minimal disturbance to the ground. The solar panels have no moving parts and the infrastructure typically disturbs less than 5% of the ground. The posts upon which the panels are mounted take up less than 1% of the land area. Because panels are raised above the ground on posts, more than 95% of a solar farm field area is still accessible for plant growth and potentially for wildlife enhancements. The proposed solar farm would have a lifespan of 40 years which is sufficient time for appropriate land management to yield real wildlife and biodiversity improvements within the local area.

A site-specific biodiversity plan will be devised to cover the lifetime of the proposed solar farm, working closely with the ecologists, and conservation organisations to ensure that the biodiversity enhancements are most appropriate to the local area.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the proposed timeline of the project?

We are aiming to submit a full planning application by the end of this year, with determination following early the year after. Following this we would be aiming to start construction at the end of 2025, with full grid connection to the grid the following year (2026).

How long will it take to construct the Nairn ESS Project?

Approximately 36-40 weeks

What is the purpose of a battery storage facility?

The primary purpose is to store excess electricity for later use, enhancing grid stability and supporting renewable energy integration.

Do battery storage systems make any noise?

Only the cooling system of the battery generates any noise, an emission of less than 66db at 1m from the unit. The development will be undergoing a noise assessment to ensure any noise made is below the ambient noise of its surroundings particularly during the quiet night-time period.

How will the battery storage facility be maintained?

The facility will undergo regular inspections, maintenance, and performance testing to ensure optimal operation.

What studies or assessments will be undertaken for the planning application for this project?

Flood risk assessment, Topography, Geotechnical investigation, Noise assessment, Heritage assessment, Ecology, Agricultural land classification, Transport, Landscape and Visual Survey are underway

Are there any fire concerns with battery storage containers?

The Lithium-Iron Phosphate battery modules – a well-established battery technology found in a huge range of electrical devices – are in sealed containerised units which are safe to use, providing long life. The batteries that we use has a temperature, smoke and combustible gas dector, then they also have a two layer fire safety suppression system, including aerosol and water-based fire suppressers. There have been zero fire incidents with the proposal we have and continue to use, and they are monitored 24/7.

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