UK renewables developer Boom Developments has announced plans for a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility near Plean, south of Stirling. The developers will be holding first consultation events to introduce the project and gather feedback from the public on 26th June at East Plean Primary School between 6.30pm and 8.30pm, and on 27th June at the Balfour Centre in Plean between 11.30am and 2.30pm.
The proposed Gartclush facility, north-east of Carr’s Hill, will consist of battery units which store excess energy from renewable developments, and release it into the grid during spikes in demand. This technology reduces the risk of local power outages and leads to cheaper energy prices, to the benefit of all consumers and the wider economy.

The project will include other associated electrical infrastructure as well as substantial new landscaping and significant ecological enhancements. A community benefit fund is also proposed as part of the plans, delivering support for local projects and improvements in the local area.
In addition to providing reliable grid stability and power management across the central belt, the project would deliver significant benefits to the local economy and employment opportunities during the construction and maintenance phases of the development.

The developer has requested a screening opinion from the Scottish Government for the energy storage project, which will store over 50MW of renewable energy. The screening opinion will outline whether an Environmental Impact Assessment is required to support the proposals.

At the consultation events on 26th and 27th June, members of the project team will be on hand to answer questions and gather feedback from members of the local community. Those unable to attend the event will be able to view the project materials and provide feedback online at https://www.boom-power.co.uk/gartclush/ from 26th June. A second round of consultation will follow later in the year to provide an update on the proposals ahead of any application being submitted to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU).

Mark Hogan, Founder at Boom Developments said:

“We are pleased to announce our proposals for a battery storage facility near Plean and have entered the preliminary phase for the development.

“Boom Developments are committed to playing a part in Scotland’s green energy transition, and projects such as the Gartclush BESS will allow clean, renewable energy to be stored and used when needed.

“We would urge any local residents with an interest in the proposals to come along to the first consultation events on 26th and 27th June, where information on the proposals will be on display, and members of the team will be available to answer any questions.”