Forss business park battery energy scheme (BESS) proposals to be considered
Proposals for a battery energy storage system (BESS) to be built within Forss Business and Technology Park come before councillors this week.
Plans by Forss Energy Storage Limited for the site close to Dounreay previously sparked concern among councillors when it and another scheme came before them at a previous meeting as pre-application notices.
Councillors then 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.
With a full planning application for the Forss scheme now submitted planning officers have told councillors: “The proposal is for the installation and operation of a battery energy storage system (BESS) facility with a capacity of storing up to 49.9 MW at Forss Business and Technology Park.
“The development will support the national grid at times when demand is high which would have capacity to serve the needs of around 140,000 homes with energy for up to two-hour if required.
“The proposal includes battery storage modules and associated infrastructure including fencing, control buildings, substations and CCTV.”
The BESS would consist of 12 “standard” units, forming inverters, and 24 smaller units housing the batteries.
In terms of visual impact it is stated that the buildings will “reflect the project's technological purpose” but it is added that new planting is proposed around the site, delivering a “new biodiversity habitat”.
“Together with the proposed additional landscaping measures, the scheme will result in an 11.14 per cent net gain in biodiversity,” planners state.
It is also stated that infrared security lighting will be used “to minimise light pollution and disturbance to local wildlife”.
A number of objections have been lodged to the development including impact on the North Highland Way. Planners state that it is “unlikely that the proposal would have any significant effects on tourism, including the North Highland Way”.
Most statutory consultees do not object.
While the transport planning officer had a number of concerns they stated that these could be addressed through conditions attached to a construction traffic management plan.
Councillors are recommended to approve the proposals.