Battery storage systems can import and store electricity from the National Grid and dispatch this stored electricity as needed to balance the network. This is particularly complementary to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which generate intermittent power based upon local weather conditions. Battery storage systems allow this energy to be stored for use in times of higher demand.
Introduction
Renewco Power has submitted a Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) for a 49.9 Megawatt (MW) battery storage project on land near Milton Farm, Beattock. This was validated on 2 November 2023 under application reference 23/2230/PAN.
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Request was submitted to Dumfries & Galloway Council in April 2023 (application reference 23/0913/SCR). In July 2023, planning officers confirmed that an EIA would not be required to accompany a planning application. All technical and environmental surveys are now underway and will inform the design and final planning application. Renewco Power will be engaging with the local community and Community Councils in the next few months to seek feedback before a planning application is submitted. More information on dates and locations of all public events will be provided on our website nearer the time, but if you have any questions our details are at the bottom of this page.
Following the completion of further planning surveys and assessments, and the feedback received at our last public consultation event in November 2023, we are gathering further feedback from local residents on the revised proposals. The feedback collated during this second consultation period will be used to help shape and inform the final design submitted for planning approval later in 2024.
Our Proposals
The proposal is for a 49.9MW battery storage project and associated infrastructure. More information will be available on the website once we have been through the full design process which is to take place over the next few months.
Changes since the last update:
- Detailed design of site access has been completed to account for level changes
- BESS compound has been raised on a platform (min. level 87.5mAOD, between 1-1.8m from current ground level depending on position within the site)
- The proposed construction compound area has been moved to the east of the site
- The welfare facilities and parking have been moved to the north of the compound
- The no. of BESS units has been reduced from 68 to 52 whilst still achieving 49.9MWac
Indicative Development Timescale
Q1 2023
Site Selection
Q3 - Q4 2023
Preliminary Assessments Site Design and Public Engagement
Q2 2024
Planning Application
2025
Discharge of Planning Conditions
2026
Construction
2027
Operation
2067
Decommissioning
Why is this project needed?
As fossil fuel sources of electricity (such as coal-fired power stations) are decommissioned, new renewable sources of dispatchable power need to be constructed. These will not only replace existing dispatchable power but will also help to support the optimal use of renewable energy sources such as solar farms and wind turbines which provide power intermittently based on local weather conditions.
Battery storage provides a way to store excess energy generated from renewable energy sources for use at times of higher demand but lower solar irradiation and / or wind generation. Batteries are able to import and store electricity from the National Grid network and export electricity when needed.
This 49.9 MW battery storage project could have a storage capacity of up to 199.6 Megawatt Hours (MWh) per full charge depending on the technology used. At full power output, this facility would therefore be able to generate for four hours, contributing to security of supply for our power system over the peaks in demand throughout the day.
For comparison, the average UK household uses around 3.7MWh of energy across an entire year and around 10 kWh per day, with a maximum instantaneous usage of around 0.8kW. On this basis, a single full charge could provide sufficient energy to power around 20,000 homes for a day, or provide instantaneous power to over 62,000 homes. In reality this energy storage facility will be used to provide services and balancing capability to the wider National Grid network, and operate dynamically in the GB energy market.
Upcoming public engagement activities
Our first public consultation event took place on Tuesday 28th November 2023. A copy of the consultation boards presented at this event can be accessed below.
Our second public consultation event is taking place on Wednesday 17th April 2024 and will be held in the Beattock Village Hall from 4pm to 8pm. A copy of the consultation boards being presented at this event can be accessed below.
We would like to invite local residents to use the comments sheets provided at the event to give us your feedback on our proposals, and to make suggestions. A copy of the feedback form can be accessed below.
Alternatively, please submit your feedback directly via email to daisy.geissler@cavendishconsulting.com or give us a call on 0141 264 2831. Please ensure that your feedback has been sent to us before 1 May 2024 for this to be considered in the development of the final design. All responses from this event will be carefully reviewed, and we welcome all feedback.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get in touch
We are interested in engaging with wind and solar asset owners, land-owners, developers and funders.