Inchbean Farm BESS Application Documents (Energy Consents Unit Reference: ECU00004968): To view the documents associated with this planning application, please click here.

Inchbean Farm BESS

Welcome

Thank you for taking the time to visit our consultation website. We are excited about our plans and are delighted to share more information with you.

The consultation has now concluded. 

Brockwell Energy is currently preparing a planning application for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility at Inchbean Farm, Kilmarnock and are inviting feedback on our proposals.

The public consultation on the proposals ran from Saturday 12th August 2023 until Saturday 26th August 2023. 

About Brockwell Energy

We are Brockwell Energy, a leading multi-technology Independent Power Producer (IPP) specialising in renewable energy infrastructure. Since 2017, we’ve originated and built out more than £1bn in assets across the UK. Our portfolio continues to grow, with a 3.5GW pipeline of projects in onshore wind, solar, and battery storage, setting new standards in the renewable energy industry

Why Battery Storage?

Why are Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) developments needed?

BESS is comprised of rechargeable batteries that covert electrochemical energy to electrical energy, and vice versa, as required.

The Scottish Government’s commitment to ‘Net Zero’ emissions by 2045 requires more sustainable energy production, such as solar and wind development, which combined with the closing old, large-scale coal and nuclear power stations, has put pressure on electricity distribution.

Renewable energy cannot always consistently produce electricty at all hours of the day. This is called intermittency. Using BESS smooths out the intermittency, taking the pressure off of the network’s essential equipment.

The installation of BESS developments supports Scotland’s transition from fossil fuels to greener, renewable and more reliable power generation.

Storing electricity locally allows for focused management of the network, benefitting local residents and businesses:

The Site

Brockwell Energy is preparing a planning application for a BESS facility on land located at Inchbean Farm, Kilmarnock KA1 5LL, to be known as Inchbean Farm BESS.

The Site has been identified following an extensive site selection process which considers environmental designations, local electricity network access and capacity, the physical characteristics of the site and the need for a supportive landowner.

The plans are still in the development stages, so our design proposals will evolve as local input is gathered and technical considerations are investigated further.

Once operational, Inchbean BESS would make a valuable contribution towards tackling the climate emergency in East Ayrshire, and wider area, by providing balancing services to maintain a cleaner, greener and cheaper energy supply. The project will be capable of storing 60MW of electricity to supply to the national grid in times of need, providing enough back up energy for around 12,666 homes.

Access to the Site for construction would be via Treeswoodhead Road, from the north. Our plans will also include landscape planting and improvements to biodiversity which will assist in screening the development and encouraging additional wildlife to the Site.

Here is a summary of what our plans include:

Construction and Operation

Construction is anticipated to take 8-12 months and would involve the formation of a series of concrete plant bases, service trenches, an access road, fencing, CCTV and gates.

The only vehicles required to attend the Site when the facility is operational would be those associated with security and maintenance. This is anticipated to be no greater than 1 LGV per month.

Virtual Exhibition

Considerations

In advance of submitting a planning application for consent to build and operate a BESS, consultants are undertaking a range of assessments.

Landscape and Visual Impact

Ecology

Noise

Construction Access and Routing

Flood Risk and Drainage

Your Community, Our Contributions

We will make a positive contribution to the local community by:

We hope that this information is helpful in setting out our proposal for a BESS at Inchbean Farm.

We are committed to delivering a high-quality development with landscaping and opportunities for biodiversity.

Have Your Say

Thank you to all those who shared their views on the proposals during the consultation period. 

You can still get in touch with the project team by the methods provided below: 

The consultation is now closed. 

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