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Garve proposed battery storage system prompts concerns from councillors





Overhead of field Corriemollie battery site. Image: Google Maps.
Overhead of field Corriemollie battery site. Image: Google Maps.

Councillors have voiced their concerns over multiple proposed battery storage systems across the Highlands.

Two sites around Thurso and one site in Garve prompted discussions between several councillors during a north planning committee meeting earlier today.

The Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) were brought in front of councillors for a pre-application consultation in advance of official planning considerations.

Investment in renewable energy in the Highlands is growing, as it has access to several different forms through wind, waves and solar.

However, the amount of energy generated does not always equal the amount of energy required, hence the need for a battery system like BESS to store electricity for use at peak times.

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.

‘We need to know about them’

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 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 environmental 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 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 asked about the electromagnetic field of the batteries and its affect 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 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 affect on bee behaviour and pollination.

This was followed by a discussion about this 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 added that some firemen 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.


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