UK developer Wind2 has submitted a planning application to the Highland Council for a wind and battery project in Caithness, Scotland.
The application concerns the Swarclett wind farm project (image of project rendering), comprising two turbines, and located on agricultural land approximately one kilometre south-east of Mains of Durran, Castletown.
The turbine will have a blade tip height of up to 149.9 metres and a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a total installed capacity of approximately 21.6MW.
Swarclett wind farm and BESS will have the capacity to generate approximately 66,000MWh of electricity annually.
Public consultation for the project took place in July 2023, February 2024 and March 2024 with public exhibitions held at both Bower Hall and Castletown Drill Hall where the project team engaged with a number of local residents.
As part of the application, the project team has undertaken environmental surveys and assessments which accompany the planning application through the form of an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Wind2 project manager Hannah Brown said: “I am pleased to present this project to The Highland Council planning team for consideration.
“It has been developed over a number of years with various environmental assessments conducted to ensure there is minimum impact from the development.
“We look forward to engaging with groups and individuals further to discuss community benefit packages including the provision of a scheme to aid in the reduction of electricity costs to local residents.”
As well as the production of clean, green energy, the project will also provide economic benefits for local residents, including a community benefit fund worth £48,000 per annum.
“It is proposed that the residents living closest to the turbines will be offered the opportunity to claim up to £600 per year as a contribution towards their electricity costs.”
There will also be other benefits to the landowners, who as local farming families, will have the opportunity to diversify and help cross-subsidise their existing farming operations, including creating suitable habitats for wildlife such as installing ponds and planting trees.
The landowner would also seek to future proof and modernise the farming business for the next generation which would include practicing new and more environmentally friendly technology to improve soil health.