Mey battery storage firm ‘committed to open dialogue and responsible development’
The company behind controversial plans for a battery energy storage scheme near the Castle of Mey has insisted that all its projects are “subject to the full planning and regulatory process” and are “assessed on their individual merits”.
Simec Atlantis Energy (SAE), which operates the nearby MeyGen tidal energy project, is seeking permission for the Mey Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on what would amount to 17 football pitches’ worth of agricultural land.
Local resident Andy Hayton has called the proposed development an “industrial eyesore” that will “brutalise the tranquil and historic landscape of Mey” if it goes ahead.
Opponents are highlighting potential impacts on the environment and tourism and are worried about other energy schemes around Mey, Barrock and Canisbay.
The Save Caithness campaign is urging anyone concerned about the battery site to support the Mey BESS Action Group by registering an objection at https://mey.objectnow.uk no later than Tuesday, June 3.
A spokesperson for SAE said: “Over the past 10 years, SAE has developed and now operates the world-leading MeyGen tidal array, in the Mey area, a project that has full consent and operates unseen, entirely beneath the sea surface. Latterly, SAE has been developing a battery storage project in the area.
“We’re proud to be contributing to the region’s energy future and to have worked constructively with Highland Council, local communities, national regulators, scientific advisers such as NatureScot and academic partners including the University of St Andrews, the University of Edinburgh and the University of the Highlands and Islands. All our projects are subject to the full planning and regulatory process and assessed on their individual merits.
“The Mey BESS planning application has been referred to the Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division [DPEA] for examination. The format of that process, whether by public local inquiry or another mechanism, is still to be determined.
“While there is no statutory requirement for community consultation under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989, SAE undertook a proportionate programme of pre-application engagement. In September 2023, a summary of the proposed development was shared with Dunnet and Canisbay Community Council and local ward councillors, and feedback received on topics such as visual screening, construction traffic, light and noise pollution, and local wildlife informed the design, assessment and mitigation strategies submitted with the application.
“The full planning application and accompanying supporting environmental information report were also advertised publicly and made available for inspection online and in person at Wick library, within the East Caithness Community Facility. This was supported by statutory public notices in accordance with planning regulations, ensuring transparency and public access.
“Key statutory consultees for the project included Highland Council, NatureScot, SEPA [the Scottish Environment Protection Agency] and Historic Environment Scotland. None of the latter three bodies objected to the proposed development, and several provided comments that informed the design and mitigation strategy, including a fully revised site layout.
“Highland Council ultimately raised an objection, but this was contrary to the recommendation of its own planning officer, whose advice was based on detailed assessment and input from the council’s internal teams, including its historic environment team. The design was also informed by the latest guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council.”
There are fears that battery energy storage systems can pose a fire hazard. Such sites were described this week by a deputy chief fire officer in England as an “emerging risk”, according to a BBC report.
The SAE spokesman went on: “While detailed but indicative plans were provided in the application, sufficient to allow a planning determination not requiring statutory EIA [environmental impact assessment], SAE has invited various planning conditions. These include the submission and approval of a full battery storage safety management plan, to be developed in collaboration with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service prior to construction, and a detailed landscaping plan, to be agreed with the planning authority to ensure appropriate visual mitigation.
“We are also undertaking preparatory work for a potential variation to the existing MeyGen consent, which would allow the deployment of a more powerful turbine model.
“While this may increase the consented generating capacity, it would remain within the same number of turbines already approved under the existing consent. No application has been submitted at this stage, and any variation would follow the appropriate regulatory process.
“MeyGen remains the world’s largest consented tidal array and is internationally recognised as a leading example of marine energy innovation. We believe Caithness has a unique opportunity to contribute to Scotland’s clean energy future, and we take that responsibility seriously.
“Realising that opportunity must be done collaboratively, transparently, and in line with planning law. We all use energy, and we all have a stake in how it is produced and delivered.
“SAE remains committed to open dialogue and responsible development that balances national priorities with local values.”
Highland councillors agreed in April to raise an objection to the Mey BESS on the basis that “the cumulative effect of this development along with nearby existing and proposed developments” would be contrary to the Highland-wide Local Development Plan.
They also argued that it “does not ensure the distinctive character of the rural area and the natural assets and cultural heritage are safeguarded and enhanced, specifically the close proximity of the Castle of Mey”.
There would be approximately 352 containerised battery units with a total export storage capacity of up to 300MW.