Plans for battery storage site at Scottish tourist attraction
Renewable energy developer Elmya hopes the ambitious project at Kelburn Estate will help boost the facility and businesses in the surrounding area as the fight to tackle climate change goes on across North Ayrshire and beyond.
The developer has launched plans for a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility within the grounds of the Kelburn Estate.
It is expected that the investment will enable the estate to plan for the long-term and invest in its future, providing an opportunity to hire more people and explore new ways to benefit the local area.
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And it is also expected that local businesses and suppliers will gain from significant opportunities throughout the construction and operation.
Kelburn Estate is a site of historic importance, housing a castle, built in the 13th century, which is believed to be the oldest in Scotland to have been continuously inhabited by the same family.
The proposed development will have a capacity of 400MW and will be able to store renewable energy to be used during times of peak demand, strengthening Scotland's energy independence and enabling developers to offer green power even when the wind is not blowing and the sun is not shining.
David Boyle, of Kelburn Estate, said: 'We are delighted to welcome the proposals for the Battery Energy Storage System.
'Not only does it help the estate contribute to Scotland's fight against climate change, it will also provide more opportunities for us to grow and develop our offering to the local community.
'With this investment, we could rejuvenate the grounds and explore new opportunities to open up the site for everyone to enjoy for years to come.'
The site is all based on the grounds on the Kelburn estate, in between Auchenhary Wood and Auchenhary Hill.
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Elmya are seeking feedback from residents on its proposals.
As part of this engagement, the project team will be hosting a public consultation event on Thursday, May 22 at the pavilion on the Kelburn Estate from 3pm until 7pm. Members of the project team will be on hand to answer questions, discuss the initial proposals and gather feedback.
Stephen Milburn, senior development manager of Elmya, said: 'We are delighted to be bringing forward our proposals for a Battery Energy Storage System. We believe that the development will accelerate Scotland's journey towards Net Zero and provide an economic boost to the local area.
'Community Feedback is essential for us to create a development which is effective both for us and the local community. We look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts and addressing any questions on the project'.
Elmya is also encouraging online feedback via the website kelburnbess.consultationonline.co.uk until June 8.
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