The site is located on the Limekiln Estate, just south of Reay, Caithness in the Highlands of Scotland.  The site is part of the operational Limekiln Wind Farm and is located on what was one of the construction compounds within the site.  It is anticipated that the BESS compound area will be approximately 1.5 hectares, and the Substation extension will be approximately 0.5 hectares.

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play a vital role in ensuring a stable, reliable, and sustainable energy system. They store excess electricity when demand is low and release it back into the grid when needed. In turn this reduces our reliance on fossil fuels and so supports our country’s transition to clean energy.

Key Features of the Proposed Development

  • Site Area: approximately 22 hectares of a combination of commercial forestry and wind farm infrastructure.
  • Proposed BESS location: The Proposed Development will be located on the reinstated temporary construction compound which was utilised for the construction of Limekiln Wind Farm.
  • Substation location and connection point: An extension to Limekiln Wind Farm’s substation, the Proposed Development’s intended point of connection, is situated approximately 700 metres to the northwest of the proposed BESS location.
  • Underground cable connection: The Proposed Development includes an underground cable connection from the BESS location to the Substation extension.

Why this location?

  • The Proposed Development will be well screened by surrounding forestry so will have minimal landscape and visual impact.
  • Minimal disturbance to undisturbed ground by using the reinstated temporary compound area and permanent onsite tracks for Limekiln Wind Farm.
  • The proposed location of the temporary construction compound was not identified as a priority habitat for the Wind Farm application so minimal environmental impact is predicted.
  • The proposed location of the temporary construction compound has not yet been replanted with trees as part of the forestry plan for the Wind Farm.

Consultation

We will be visiting Reay for an in-person community open day on Thursday 17th April, from 1.00 to 7.00pm in Reay Village Hall. Please do come along and visit us.

If you are not able to make it on the day, you’ll find all of the information panels and a feedback form here.