Locals are campaigning against plans to build a battery energy storage site the size of 21 football pitches on farmland near an Aberdeenshire village.
The proposed 500-megawatt facility is being proposed for a field near Rothienorman, despite strong opposition from the local community.
While designed to store excess wind and solar power to support the country’s renewable energy transition, the development has sparked concern from locals over safety, visual impact and disruption to rural life.
Riane Thomson-Bialy moved to a home overlooking the site in January.
She said she received a letter from Blackford Renewables two weeks later, notifying residents of the project.
STV News“You don’t move to the middle of nowhere, with everything you’ve desired for several years, just to find out you have this large-scale monstrosity literally in your back garden.
“It’s our dream property – I’ve got my horses out the back and my outdoor school.
“It was a bit of a shock.”
The number of battery energy storage sites being proposed in Scotland is expected to increase drastically as part of the move towards net zero.
Over 240 large-scale ‘battery energy storage systems’ are being planned – or are already operating – in Scotland.
STV NewsCriticism often centres on fire risk and emergency planning.
Although industry experts say improvements in technology have reduced these risks, residents remain unconvinced.
Marguerite Fleming moved to the village ten years ago and lives on the opposite side of the site.
She said the community has already endured five years of construction for a substation and grid stability facility and faces at least another two years of building work if the facility goes ahead.
“They are not going to be able to screen that construction noise from us,” she said.
“The last six months have been the most stressful we have had in our lives for the last ten years. It’s unbelievable.”
STV NewsShe says the risk of fire is deeply concerning for locals.
“We appreciate that with the improved technology fires are a lower risk, but they are a risk.
“BESS sites are insured for fire – they don’t take into account how residents might escape from any potential fires.”
A public consultation over the site is ongoing until August 26.
A statement from Blackwell Renewables read: “Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) play a vital role in Scotland’s energy transition and contribute to energy security. Projects such as Blackford Energy Park will help to create a more efficient, resilient, and affordable energy system.
“We have actively sought feedback from the local community and stakeholders through public consultation to help shape the proposals for Blackford Energy Park. Our design takes advantage of the site’s natural topography to minimise visual impact, and we have carefully selected the proposed equipment to reduce noise impact. Our recent noise assessment shows that noise impact on the local area will be minimal.
“We take local concerns about fire safety very seriously, and we are committed to maintaining the highest safety standards through the use of advanced technology, fire safety systems and close coordination with emergency services.
“We remain committed to engaging with the community and stakeholders as we continue to
develop the details of the proposals.”
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