Halkirk, Caithness — 24th June 2025
Sun4Net Spittal Ltd is pleased to announce that it has today submitted an application for consent to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU) for the construction and operation of its proposed Achies Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), located immediately adjacent to the existing Spittal Converter Station near Halkirk, Caithness.
The proposed development covers approximately 12.2 hectares of agricultural land to the west of the A9 and adjacent to the Spittal converter station. Designed to maximise the benefit of existing grid infrastructure, the Achies BESS will connect directly into the existing converter Station via underground cables.
The facility will comprise around 72 battery containers and 36 inverter and transformer modules, together with associated infrastructure including a short new access track from an existing entrance off the A9. The development also includes areas of soft landscaping, biodiversity enhancements, and protective deer fencing to support integration with the surrounding environment.
With a total generating capacity of around 162 megawatts, the Achies BESS will provide vital flexible energy storage capacity, supporting Scotland’s transition to a secure and resilient low-carbon electricity network. Consent is being sought for an operational period of 40 years from the date of commissioning.
The application is accompanied by a comprehensive suite of supporting documents, including:
· Environmental Appraisal
· Planning and Energy Policy Statement
· Pre-Application Consultation (PAC) Report
· Socio-Economic Assessment
· Outline Battery Fire Safety Management Plan
These documents, along with further details about the project, can be viewed on the project website at www.achiesenergystorage.com.
The application for consent has been made under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 and a direction for deemed planning permission is also sought under Section 57(2) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997. Members of the public and stakeholders may submit representations on the application by email to representations@gov.scot or by post to:
The Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU
Representations must identify the proposal and clearly specify the grounds for representation. All written or emailed submissions should be dated and include the name (in block capitals), full return email address and postal address of the person making the representation.
The deadline for representations is 1st August 2025, although Scottish Ministers may consider representations received after this date.
Sun4Net Spittal Ltd remains committed to ongoing engagement with the local community and stakeholders and wishes to thank everyone who has provided valuable feedback to date.
ENDS
For further information, please visit:
www.achiesenergystorage.com