Clach Energy Storage
Location: Halkirk, near Thurso
Public Consultations
Wednesday, 28 January, 2-7pm - The Ross Institute, Halkirk, KW12 6XY
Thursday, 29 January, 11am-2pm - Watten Hall, Watten, KW1 5YL
About the Project
BayWa r.e. is exploring the potential to develop a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), known as Clach Energy Storage, on land approximately 14 km south of Thurso, in Caithness.
The project is at an early stage, and this website has been set up to share information as the proposal develops.
We want to provide clear and straightforward information about what the project involves and why this site has been chosen. As the project progresses, we will keep the community updated and share the key considerations shaping our approach.
Your feedback is important to us. We aim for Clach Energy Storage to reflect what matters to the community, and your input will help shape the project as it moves forward.
If you would like to find out more about the development, please reach out via email to info@clach-bess.co.uk.
We want to work closely with the local community as proposals for the project are developed. Local residents and stakeholders are invited to attend our pre-application public exhibitions to see early plans, meet the project team, ask questions and share their views.
Public exhibitions will be held on:
Wednesday, 28 January, 2-7pm - The Ross Institute, Halkirk, KW12 6XY
Thursday, 29 January, 11am-2pm - Watten Hall, Watten, KW1 5YL
Feedback at this stage is provided to the developer and will help shape the proposals as they progress. There will be a further opportunity to make formal representations to the Energy Consents Unit (ECU) once the Section 36 planning application is submitted.
About Clach Energy Storage
Originally known as Caithness BESS, the Clach Energy Storage project is designed to help manage electricity generated from renewable sources in the north of Scotland. With a grid connection capacity of 456 MW, the system will store surplus energy when generation is high and release it when demand increases. This helps make better use of Scotland’s renewable resources and supports a more stable electricity network.
Illustrative image
Site Location
The infrastructure layout of the site is still under design and will be further informed once all environmental studies are complete. A site-specific biodiversity enhancement strategy will also be designed.
Why this Location?
Caithness is an important area for renewable energy and it can play a vital role in the country’s renewable energy targets. Due to the nature of renewable energy source, at times there may be more electricity being produced than the local grid can manage.
Clach Energy Storage would help by storing this extra electricity when generation is high and releasing it when demand rises. This makes the most of the renewable energy already in the area, helps balance the local electricity system, and supports a steady and reliable supply for the region and Scotland.
Site Layout
Covers approximately 19 hectares (47 acres), similar in size to around 28 football pitches
Current plans include infrastructure across 14 hectares (34 acres) with approximately 20% of the land remaining undeveloped
We anticipate a maximum of 720 battery storage containers and between 80 and 90 inverter/ transformer stations
Is located across two fields approximately 800 metres apart
Is currently used for rough grazing, operational quarry is present between the two parcels
Benefits from existing forestry, which will help to screen the development
Site Context
An existing overhead power line runs close to the site, and an operational quarry sits between the two fields. The site also benefits from direct access from the A9.
The site is next to SSE’s recently consented Banniskirk Hub and HVDC converter station and the proposed upgraded Spittal–Loch Buidhe–Beauly transmission line is expected to pass between the two fields. Being close to this infrastructure helps improve the efficiency of the project.
Why this location is considered appropriate:
Enables a direct connection to the existing electricity network
Avoids the need for extensive new power lines
Sits within a landscape that already accommodates energy development
Helps minimise additional environmental and visual impact
Supports a more reliable and efficient electricity system
What is a BESS?
A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a technology which stores excess energy for later use - a larger version of the batteries we are more familiar with.
Often the amount of electricity we generate and the amount we need, do not match. For example, on a windy day, wind turbines may generate more power than we need but, using BESS, the excess power charges the batteries, and the power can then be fed into the grid at a time when less power is available.
Historically, when renewable energy has not been able to meet demand, we have had to rely on traditional power sources such as gas to “top up” the electricity supply. BESS can help reduce this reliance on non-renewable energy by storing and releasing energy when needed, helping to keep the grid stable and balanced.
Current Status
We have been carrying out early assessments of the site, including research, site visits, and technical surveys. These help us understand the local area and shape our plans for the project in a way that fits with the environment.
Screening Report
The project will be subject to a Section 36 application, which will be considered by the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit.
A Screening Report confirmed that a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required. However, all relevant environmental and technical studies will be carried out to understand and manage potential effects.
You can view it here:
We have been advised that a full EIA is not required. That said, we are committed to best practice and will continue all necessary environmental and technical studies to make sure we fully understand any potential effects and address them as the project develops.
Timeline
Opportunities
Opportunities for Communities
BayWa r.e UK is proud to invest in the communities hosting our projects. We will contribute £50,000 per year (indexed) to a dedicated community fund throughout the life of the project. This flexible fund can support local initiatives, services, education, training, jobs, and sustainability projects. It may also attract additional match funding to increase its impact.
We welcome your ideas on how this fund can best benefit the community.
Opportunities for Local Businesses
Clach Energy Storage offers exciting opportunities for local businesses with the right skills and services, both during construction and operation.
BayWa r.e UK is committed to working with local companies wherever possible. At recent projects:
77% of civils contracts at Dalquhandy Wind Farm were awarded to Scottish companies;
at Broken Cross Wind Farm, 80% of civils contracts went to Scottish companies, many of them local.
Join our Local Business Register to hear about upcoming opportunities: info@clach-bess.co.uk
Resources
Contact
If you have any questions, please contact us.