RE Projects Development Ltd (REPD), in partnership with Field, is inviting local people to attend a second consultation event to learn about its proposed development of a battery energy storage system (BESS) and associated infrastructure on land at Womblehill, Kintore.
REPD is holding the second of two public consultation events on Thursday, November 7, at Kintore Bowling Club. The session will run from 15:00 to 19:30, providing an opportunity for members of the public to understand the proposal and learn about the project and share their views.
The event follows a first public consultation held on 8 October.
Proposed plans for the South Kintore BESS are being brought forward by UK renewable and low carbon energy project developer, REPD and Field, who develops, owns, and operates BESS projects across the UK and Europe.
The proposed BESS development aligns with the Scottish Government’s target to reach net zero by 2045 and aims to significantly enhance grid infrastructure by 2030, bolstering a more sustainable energy grid. This system will store renewable energy, releasing it during peak demand to ensure a flexible, stable, and reliable energy supply. When operational, BESS infrastructure can be mobilised instantly to help maintain relevant frequency on the National Grid.
The site in Kintore, which is being proposed on marginal farmland which offers many advantages especially as it is a well screened site. The development will have a capacity of 200 megawatts (MW),with a secure grid connection, ensuring its feasibility.
Its proximity to the existing grid network will enable efficient connectivity, and its location near areas of high energy demand will allow it to provide critical services like grid balancing, peaking capacity, and improving network resilience during extreme weather events.
REPD encourages residents, local businesses, and other stakeholders to attend and participate in this consultation process, by attending the event as community feedback will be an important consideration before a formal planning application is submitted to the Scottish Minister’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU)
“We were pleased to see a strong and positive turn-out at our first public event. Helpfully, a large majority of these people shared their feedback with us. This is vital as we refine our proposal for the site and continue to work with the Kintore community, ensuring that local voices are heard throughout this process,” said Simeon Batov, Executive Director, REPD.
An initial design is being developed and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Opinion was submitted in early October to relevant planning authorities at Scottish Government. A full submission will be made to the Energy Consents Unit (ECU) in early 2025.
In addition to the in-person consultation event, further information about the proposed development is available online at southkintorebess.co.uk. Feedback can also be submitted via email to [email protected].
The deadline for submitting comments is Friday, November 29, 2024.
