The site location is within open countryside and not designated Green Belt. Although the land is agricultural, it is not categorised as prime agricultural land and is free of any environmental designations. The position of the batteries on the site has been selected taking into account the topography of the site, ecological and technical constraints and is purposefully designed to minimise visual impacts. Additional landscaping and planting will also screen the site.
Safety is integral to the design, construction, and operation of the facility. Necessary safety features will be incorporated and further assessments will continue to be done through the planning process to address safety considerations.
Scheme proposals
- Battery development area
- Substation area
- Area for biodiversity and landscaping enhancements
- Proposed access
The scheme will include the following:
- Security fencing constructed of green steel palisade.
- Security lighting and CCTV poles. Lighting will be motion activated and poles will be up to 6m high.
- Containers to house the batteries and associated systems.
- Substation transformers to connect to the grid.
- Control rooms and parking.
- Planting for habitat enhancement and landscaping.
On the site
Key Project Benefits
It is important to us that this proposal reinforces the local landscape and existing site features. We are exploring all opportunities to increase biodiversity and landscaping on site as part of this project.
We aim to retain or enhance all established trees and hedgerows to ensure the project has a positive impact on local nature as well as contributing to national decarbonisation targets.
NEP is committed to the local communities in which we operate.
The project will provide community and social benefits. We seek your thoughts and suggestions on how monies could be spent to maximum benefit.
NEP will engage with local contractors and businesses to utilise local suppliers during construction and operation, where skills and specialisms permit.
The proposal will create 100MW of capacity to assist the National Grid in increasing resilience and reducing reliance on imported gas. The proposal enables more renewable electricity generated in Scotland, to be used in Scotland. The need to provide safe, secure and reliable energy storage is recognised in the draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition plan currently being consulted on by the Scottish Government.