Clynelish Residents Oppose Proposed Battery Farm Near Brora

Residents of Clynelish, a small community in Sutherland, are opposing a proposed battery electricity storage facility by Opdenergy, which aims to install a 49.9MW system on croft land near Brora. The community has expressed concerns regarding the suitability of the site for such an industrial development, citing potential noise pollution, safety risks, and the visual impact of the facility on the landscape. Local resident Nick Lindsay highlighted that the area has been a quiet residential and crofting community for over 200 years, emphasizing the need for the facility to be located on a brownfield site closer to urban areas where electricity demand is higher. A public meeting attended by 91 residents revealed significant opposition to the plans, with worries about constant humming from cooling systems and the potential for fire hazards. While Opdenergy has stated that the chances of a fire are minimal and that safety is a priority, the community remains skeptical. The company has proposed soundproofing measures and extensive landscaping to mitigate visual and noise impacts. The Clynelish site is one of several proposed locations in the Highlands for battery storage systems, with other sites suggested in Forss and Inverness. Opdenergy argues that the strategic location of the Clynelish site is essential for integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, which is crucial for enhancing grid stability and supporting Scotland's renewable energy targets. As the community continues to voice its concerns, the future of the proposed battery farm remains uncertain, highlighting the ongoing tension between renewable energy development and local community interests.