Major Planning Application To Site 50 Battery Storage Units Near Thurso

17th October 2022

The application to be heard on Tuesday 18th by the North Planning Applications committee is for the erection and operation of a battery energy storage system comprising of up to 50 battery storage units, electrical connection building, landscaping, fencing and ancillary infrastructure.

The applications is from Whirlwind Energy Storage Ltd and the site is at Land 295M South Of Mill House, Stainland, Thurso.

The application is for -
The proposal is for for an energy storage facility with an anticipated operational lifetime of 50 years capable of storing up to 49.9MW of electricity, comprising of:
• Up to 50 Battery storage containers with indicative plans showing raised units
measuring 12.2m x 2.4m, with a maximum height of 3.5m from the ground, each
with integrated air conditioning units and external inverters. The containers will be arranged in pairs with each pair sharing a small transformer. The overall length of this arrangement is 20.3m;
• Control building housing switching and electrical gear, with Sedum Roof measuring 10m x 10m x 2.84m max;
• Site office container (12.2m x 2.44m x 3.3m max)
• Storage Container of (12.2m x 2.44m x 3.3m max);
• 2.78m high security fencing and wooden acoustic barrier fencing;
• 4 x CCTV masts with cameras.
• Landscaping;
• Area of hardstanding;
• Parking for 3no cars;
• A new access track and access junction with the A9(T); and,
• Surface water drainage system.

The proposed development would be used to store excess electricity from the national grid and then release this energy in periods of high demand. Therefore, the development must connect to the grid and in this instance the intention is to connect the via the existing Thurso South substation approximately 1km SSW. It is anticipated that connection will be by buried cables rather than overhead lines however this, along with the final route of the
cable connection, are yet to be determined.

Read the full planning application HERE

See all the planning applications for 18 October 2022 HERE