Energy storage plan in the Highlands recommended for approval

Plans for an energy storage facility near Fort Augustus are being recommended for approval.

The proposed development, on farmland at Auchterawe, includes 23 storage containers each measuring 13m by 2.5m by 2.6m.

They would be used to store excess electricity from the national grid and then release the energy at times of high demand.

The development will be connected to the existing Auchterawe substation, 3.5km to the north-east, by buried cables. No new overhead lines are proposed.

Highland Council’s south planning applications committee will be asked to approve the application, by Intelligent Land Investments Group, when it meets today.

Objections raised include the adverse visual impact as a result of the industrial nature of the development and limitations of landscaping proposals.

Noise impact at residential properties plus flood risk and drainage have also been raised as issues.

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