Drum Farm Energy Storage Project unanimously approved by committee

RES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, has today received planning consent to build a new energy storage project in north east Scotland. It follows Moray Council’s Planning and Regulatory Services Committee decision to unanimously approve the scheme, in line with the case officer’s recommendation.

Drum Farm Energy Storage System is situated on land at Drum Farm, near Keith in Moray, Scotland. The new 49.9MW facility will store electricity at times when generation exceeds demand, and release electricity back to the grid network when demand exceeds generation. It will facilitate the deployment of new wind, solar and other renewables which will be central to achieving the Government’s net zero commitments as well as enabling more energy to be generated domestically, improving security of supply.

Alan McMahon, Head of Energy Storage at RES, said: “Energy storage is an essential part of the UK’s future energy system and will be crucial in enabling the rollout of zero and low carbon energy. We are very pleased with Moray Council’s decision which allows Drum Farm Energy Storage System to play its part in supporting the UK’s net-zero emissions target while ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the grid network.”

Drum Farm Storage System has been specifically located as close as possible to the existing Keith electrical substation where the project will connect to the wider grid network. The project, which includes an upgrade to the adjacent Core Path, has been designed to include planting of new native trees, hedgerows and wildflower grass areas which will not only reduce potential visibility of the scheme but also help to enhance biodiversity by providing wildlife corridors and vital resources for mammals, birds, and insect species.

An attenuation basin, as well as allowing safe and contained storage for excess rain and storm water, could deliver significant opportunities for further biodiversity net gain. More information can be found on the project website (www.drumfarm-energystorage.co.uk) which will be kept up to date as the project progresses.

Employing over 100 people in Scotland alone, RES has developed and/or constructed 21 wind farms with a total generation capacity of 597MW. RES also operates its Global Control Centre providing 24/7/365 monitoring for assets across the planet from its offices in Glasgow.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

About RES

RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company active in onshore and offshore wind, solar, green hydrogen, energy storage and transmission and distribution. At the forefront of the industry for over 40 years, RES has delivered more than 23GW of renewable energy projects across the globe and supports an operational asset portfolio exceeding 10GW worldwide for a large client base.  Understanding the unique needs of corporate clients, RES has secured over 1.5GW of corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) enabling access to energy at the lowest cost. RES employs over 2,500 people and is active in 11 countries. For further information about RES, visit www.res-group.com

CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Callum Whiteford

RES Press Office

+44 141 404 5560

+44 7500 937 925