A major battery energy storage project near Mey in Caithness has been approved by Scottish ministers, despite objections from conservation groups over potential impacts on protected bird species.
The 200MW Rigifa Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), developed by Field, will be built at Phillips Mains Farm, around 1.5km from the village of Mey. The project will include up to 4800 battery units across the site and provide 3600MWh of storage capacity.
Scottish ministers granted consent after considering concerns raised by the RSPB over the development’s proximity to the Caithness Lochs Special Protection Area (SPA), an important wintering site for species including Greenland white-fronted geese, greylag geese and whooper swans.
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The charity argued that Field had not demonstrated the project would avoid adverse effects on the protected area, particularly regarding the loss of feeding habitat.
However, ministers accepted advice from NatureScot, which concluded the development would not affect the integrity of the SPA.
Other concerns raised during consultation included fire risk, road safety, landscape impacts, property values and effects on protected species. Highland Council did not object to the proposal.
The Scottish Government said battery storage would play a key role in supporting renewable energy generation by allowing electricity produced from wind and solar projects to be stored and released when needed. The decision stated that, on balance, the impacts of the development were acceptable when considered alongside its benefits.
Field’s Rigifa project has also been shortlisted by Ofgem for potential support through its long-duration energy storage cap-and-floor scheme.
The approval adds to Field’s growing UK battery storage portfolio, which includes further projects in Scotland and northern England.
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