Caithness councillor raises concerns over proposed battery storage scheme at Forss
A site close to Dounreay being considered for a battery energy storage system is one of two in the Highlands to have sparked concern among councillors.
A pre-application notice (PAN) was submitted for Forss Energy Storage Limited, which aims to develop a system with capacity of 49.9MW consisting of battery storage modules and associated infrastructure.
Members of Highland Council’s north planning applications committee were asked to note the PAN, which covers a 72.5Ha area within Forss Business and Technology Park.
Another application for a similar scheme near Garve prompted discussions between several councillors about the proposed schemes during the meeting on Wednesday.
The Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) were brought in front of councillors for a pre-application consultation in advance of official planning considerations.
The battery storage plans are being brought forward by multiple developers, based in England.
One of the developers, Field Corriemollie, already has a number of proposed battery sites around the UK in various states of completion.
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Councillors highlighted that the Highlands has an abundance of power already, so these systems would likely serve wider parts of Scotland and the UK.
Councillor Matthew Reiss (Thurso and Northwest Caithness) said: “We need to know about them. Their potential for good things to happen or for harm, is vast.”
He called for an environmental impact assessment to analyse the consequences on the environment such developments might have.
This was supported by members of the committee, but no formal commitment to an environmental impact assessment was made during the meeting.
Councillor Ruraidh Stewart (Eilean a' Cheò) asked if council members were able to visit current BESS storage sites so “members can understand… what this actually means for communities.”
Councillors were concerned about how a BESS system may affect local biodiversity in the surrounding local area.
Councillor Richard Gale (East Sutherland and Edderton) asked about the electromagnetic field of the batteries and its effect on the insect population, particularly bees.
A study conducted in 2020 found a negative link between electromagnetic fields and insects, in which it identified “toxic” effects of the fields on insects.
Councillor Michael Baird (North, West and Central Sutherland) added his concerns on the effects of electromagnetic fields on bees’ ability to pollinate. A study from last year found that electrical transmission towers can have an effect on bee behaviour and pollination.
This was followed by a discussion about what impact the storage facilities would have on the local communities, particularly emergency services.
Councillor Reiss cited a report which said in the event of a fire in a BESS, the minimum amount of water required to contain the flames would be 1900 litres of water per minute for at least two hours.
Councillor Jan McEwan (Wick and East Caithness) added that some firefighters in rural areas only work part-time, putting potential strain on the system.
They also identified the potential noise pollution generated by air conditioning units required to cool the batteries.
The committee agreed to more education and study by councillors on the battery systems, in advance of any planning decisions to come.