Downing Renewable Developments (DRD) has successfully secured planning permission for a major battery energy storage park in Argyll and Bute, following a successful appeal.

The Taigh an Uillt Energy Storage Park, located near Oban in the western Scottish Highlands, will have an installed capacity of 49.9MW. This capacity is capable of storing enough energy to power up to one hundred and fifty thousand homes for a two-hour period.

The development is vital for Scotland's energy transition, as it will capture excess electricity generated by renewable sources such as wind and solar. By doing so, the park will reduce the reliance on fossil fuel-based backup power, supporting a more resilient and reliable energy grid, which improves overall energy security and efficiency.

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Tony Gannon, Head of Downing Renewable Developments, expressed satisfaction with the decision: “We are delighted to have obtained planning consent for the Taigh an Uillt Energy Storage Park and pleased that the Reporter recognised that the site selection was appropriate... We look forward to delivering the Energy Storage Park and contributing to energy resilience in the area.”

DRD is committed to delivering a long-term plan that aims to deliver at least 10% more biodiversity than before the site was installed. This will be achieved through the construction of the site, including the planting of a woodland and meadow around the park. This natural habitat will promote the growth of wild flowers, provide food sources for pollinators like bees and butterflies, and potentially include the installation of bee hotels.

In addition to the environmental commitments, the construction project will include a community benefit contribution, with DRD pledging a £1,000/MW one-off payment to support local projects once work commences.