Planning permission given for new energy storage project near Keith
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PLANNING permission has been given for a new energy storage project to be built near Keith.
RES, the world's largest independent renewable energy company, has received planning consent for the project at Drum Farm.
Permission was given at a meeting of Moray Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Committee on Tuesday, October 25.
Councillors unanimously approved the scheme, in line with the case officer’s recommendation.
Drum Farm Energy Storage System is situated on land at Drum Farm, near Keith in Moray, Scotland.
The new 49.9MW facility will store electricity at times when generation exceeds demand, and release electricity back to the grid network when demand exceeds generation.
It will facilitate the deployment of new wind, solar and other renewables which will be central to achieving the government’s Net Zero commitments, as well as enabling more energy to be generated domestically, improving security of supply.
Alan McMahon, Head of Energy Storage at RES, said: “Energy storage is an essential part of the UK’s future energy system and will be crucial in enabling the rollout of zero and low carbon energy.
"We are very pleased with Moray Council’s decision which allows Drum Farm Energy Storage System to play its part in supporting the UK’s Net Zero emissions target while ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the grid network.”
Drum Farm Storage System has been specifically located as close as possible to the existing Keith electrical substation where the project will connect to the wider grid network.
The project, which includes an upgrade to the adjacent Core Path, has been designed to include planting of new native trees, hedgerows and wildflower grass areas.
This is aimed at reducing visibility of the scheme while helping to enhance biodiversity by providing wildlife corridors and vital resources for mammals, birds, and insect species.
An attenuation basin, which is a storage facility for excess rain and storm water, could deliver significant opportunities for biodiversity net gain.
More information can be found on the project website at www.drumfarm-energystorage.co.uk, which will be kept up to date as the project progresses.
For further information about RES, visit www.res-group.com.
