RES has submitted a planning application to The Highland Council for a 45MW energy storage proposal on land adjacent to the Alness substation, approximately 1km north-west of Alness, Scotland.
The plans for the proposed Contullich Energy Storage System, which were displayed at two community consultation events last year, received a positive response with over 80% of feedback confirming either support or neutrality towards the refined design presented in September, RES said.
The planning submission which has now been validated by The Highland Council will be determined by its North Planning Applications Committee.
Milo Amsbury-Savage, development project manager for RES, said: “Throughout the development of this project we have listened carefully and responded to local feedback, wherever possible.
“This has included moving our proposed access away from Corkscrew Road following concerns raised in our initial consultation.
“We’ve also ensured there is adequate planting on the northern boundary of the site, in response to comments about the view from the B9176 to the north.
“We would like to thank everyone who has taken time to engage in the consultation process and provide us with their comments. This feedback has helped positively shape the proposal.”
The project includes additional planting of native trees, hedgerows and wildflower grass areas.
This will not only reduce potential visibility of the scheme but also deliver a biodiversity net gain of over 100% through the provision of wildlife corridors and vital resources for mammals, birds, and insect species, RES said.
Across the UK and Ireland, RES has developed over 700MW of energy storage projects, including Broxburn Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in West Lothian.