Renewable energy consultancy and service provider Natural Power has been selected by Green Switch Capital to provide Section 36 consenting support for a proposed 249.9MW battery energy storage park near Lairg, northwest of Tain in the Scottish Highlands.
Alison Sidgwick, Director of Onshore Consenting and Environment at Natural Power, emphasized the importance of energy storage facilities in the UK’s efforts to scale up secure, clean, and affordable renewable energy production. The Dalchork battery storage project aligns with National Grid’s target of achieving 50 GW of battery storage by 2050, contributing to sustainable energy goals and climate change mitigation.
Pete McLaren, Head of Scottish Development at Green Switch Capital, expressed delight in collaborating with Natural Power on this significant project. The development aims to deliver substantial battery storage capacity to both the distribution and transmission grid network.
The proposed project includes connections to Dalchork substation (200 MW) and Lairg GSP (49.9 MW). Natural Power will provide a range of services supporting the application, including site investigations, landscape, visual, ecology, and hydrology assessments. Additionally, the consultancy will assist Green Switch in engaging with local communities, stakeholders, and landowners in line with principles of community involvement, social benefit, and biodiversity enhancement outlined in the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4).
Natural Power, with its expertise in Section 36 applications and a successful track record in supporting battery energy storage projects, will play a crucial role in various planning and permitting-related services throughout the project’s lifecycle, from conception to completion.
