BESS is a technology that can store excess energy generated from multiple sources during low demand, or during periods of high renewable energy production, for later use. This energy, which will be generated increasingly by renewable sources such as wind or solar, will be stored until it is needed and then be released back into the grid at times of either peak demand or when the grid requires additional support.
This technology is essential to speeding up the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable power as renewable energy cannot consistently produce electricity at all hours of the day. Therefore, installing BESS enables energy to power homes and businesses even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing.
Welcome to our consultation for a new
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS),
Kelburn Estate, North Ayrshire.
Welcome
Elmya RPC UK Hunterston Limited is exploring the potential of developing a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility of up to 400 MW on land at Kelburn Estate.
This is your opportunity to gain insight into our proposals and shape its development.
Once you have reviewed the information on these boards, we encourage you to share your thoughts and provide comments through the feedback section of the consultation website. Your input is an important part of shaping the future of this project.
Our public consultation is open now until Sunday 8th June. Please make sure all feedback has been submitted before the consultation closes to ensure your views are taken into consideration.
About the Proposals
We are bringing forward proposals for an up to 400 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on land at Kelburn Estate, Fairlie North Ayrshire, in between Auchenhary Wood and Auchenhary Hill. It is anticipated to comprise containerised units to house battery energy storage systems, transformers, substation infrastructure and associated infrastructure.
BESS is a technology that can store excess energy generated from multiple sources during low demand, or during periods of high renewable energy production, for later use. This energy, which will be generated increasingly by renewable sources such as wind or solar, will be stored until it is needed and then be released back into the grid at times of either peak demand or when the grid requires additional support.
This technology is essential to speeding up the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable power as renewable energy cannot consistently produce electricity at all hours of the day. Therefore, installing BESS enables energy to power homes and businesses even when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing.
About the location
The site is all based on the grounds on the estate, in between Auchenhary Wood and Auchenhary Hill. It is expected that the woods and the hill will provide a natural screening of the site, so any visual impact is likely to be minimal.
The location was identified for development due to its proximity to the grid connection at Hunterston, enabling an efficient route to the National Electricity Transmission Network.
A new access track would be constructed from the existing Kelburn Wind Farm access track which joins on to the A760. This would be used during both construction and operational phases. It is expected that construction traffic will come from the east via the A760.
An indicative landscape mitigation plan has been prepared which incorporates areas of new woodland planting and natural regeneration with species rich grassland seeding. The planting and seeding would help integrate the proposed development into the surrounding landscape, while providing some further screening to views from nearby areas.
A number of environmental surveys have been undertaken and more will be undertaken prior to the application. The information from these surveys will help to inform the design of the Proposed Development.
Benefits
Our proposed development will bring a variety of benefits to the community, contributing positively in several key areas:
Environmental:
Currently, there is not enough battery storage facilities to enable the UK to store the amount of renewable energy we need to combat climate change. Once connected, the BESS will allow more renewable energy to get onto the grid. This would reduce the reliance on imports of fossil fuels and provide the UK with greater energy security, using homegrown sources and helping to reduce energy bills.
Economic:
The project will contribute to the local economy through the use of local suppliers and contributing business rates to the council.
The project also represents a significant investment into the Kelburn Estate. The BESS 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.
About the Estate
The Kelburn Estate is an asset to the local area. The castle, built in the 13th century, is believed to be the oldest in Scotland to have been continuously inhabited by the same family. The estate employs 35 local people, in both full time and part time positions and are proud to provide key annual investment into North Ayrshire’s regional economy.
Kelburn Estate is a vital asset in the region’s tourism sector, welcoming 70,000 visitors to the Visitor Centre alone, with year-round free access to the grounds. These encompass 3,500 acres of woodland, gardens, parkland and rough moorland, housing wildlife, unique artworks, as well as two of Scotland’s 100 most important ‘heritage’ trees, as recognised by the Forestry Commission.
Naturally, with so much activity across the rich and historic estate, it is continuously looking for ways to diversify its offerings, generate revenue and ensure that the estate remains open to all.
The BESS project 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.
Fire Safety
We take the safety of our projects seriously. The BESS will be equipped with a sophisticated Battery Management System (BMS) that continuously monitors temperature, voltage, and current to detect any anomalies to ensure the safety and security of the scheme.
There are several steps and measures that we will implement to further prevent the risk of a fire. These include:
- We will follow the National Fire Chiefs Council [NFCC] guidance that sets out a number of fire risk and safety criteria which BESS schemes (typically 1 MW or larger) should seek to adhere to.
- When the application is submitted, a Battery Safety Management Plan will be published where you will be able to read through all the measures in place to ensure the development is brought forward safely.
- In line with the industry guidance, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will have the opportunity to review and comment the plans to ensure compliance.
- Fire resistant barriers and containment systems will be installed to prevent the spread of fire between battery modules and to the surrounding environment.
Project Feedback
We welcome any feedback you may have on the project.
Please submit feedback by completing the form at the event today. Or you can leave feedback before 8th June at kelburnbess. consultationonline.co.uk
Once the application is submitted, you will have the opportunity to provide formal feedback to the Energy Consents Unit.
kelburnbess@consultationonline.co.uk
0800 066 8943
kelburnbess.consultationonline.co.uk
Timeline
June
2025
Initial consultation ends
September
2025
Second consultation begins
Early
2026
Final Application submitted to Energy Consents Unit
Late
2026
Decision from Energy Consents Unit
2029
Construction commences
2030
Site fully operational
FAQs
What is BESS?
Is BESS safe?
The BESS will be equipped with a sophisticated Battery Management System (BMS) that continuously monitors temperature, voltage, and current to detect any anomalies to ensure the safety and security of the scheme.
There are several steps and measures that we will implement to further prevent the risk of a fire. These include:
- We will follow the National Fire Chiefs Council [NFCC] guidance that sets out a number of fire risk and safety criteria which BESS schemes (typically 1 MW or larger) should seek to adhere to.
- When the application is submitted, a Battery Safety Management Plan will be published where you will be able to read through all the measures in place to ensure the development is brought forward safely.
- In line with the industry guidance, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will have the opportunity to review and comment the plans to ensure compliance.
- Fire resistant barriers and containment systems will be installed to prevent the spread of fire between battery modules and to the surrounding environment.
Where will it be located?
The site is all based on the grounds on the estate, to the east of Auchenhary Wood and to the west of Blaeloch Hill. It is expected that the woods and the hill will provide a natural screening of the site, so any visual impact is likely to be minimal.
How will construction vehicles access the site?
A new access track would be constructed from the existing Kelburn Wind Farm access track which joins on to the A760. This would be used during both construction and operational phases. It is expected that no traffic will go through Fairlie to reach the site, but instead come from the east via the A760.
What works have been undertaken so far?
So far, we have completed a number of assessments of the local environment of the proposed site. These include:
- A preliminary Ecological Appraisal Report;
- A preliminary Arboricultural Assessment;
- A Peat Depth & Condition Survey;
- A Geo-environmental Report;
- A Watervole Survey Letter;
- A National Vegetation Classification Survey Report; and
- A Breeding Bird Survey Report.
Before we submit the final application, we will also complete a Traffic Management Plan and Noise Impact Assessment to ensure the impact of the proposals to the local community is minimal.
Contact Us
While we are in the formative stages of the project’s development please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have questions or would like any further information.
Email: kelburnbess@consultationonline.co.uk
Phone: 0800 066 8943