2020 Renewables gets govt nod for Scottish wind park with storage

Scotland-based firm 2020 Renewables Ltd, part of Forsa Energy, has secured planning permission to build a 14-turbine wind farm with battery storage in the Scottish Borders.

The consent has been given by Scottish Ministers for s a wind power facility of over 50 MW with a 4-MW battery storage system, according to an official decision published last week. The company behind the proposal is Whitelaw Brae Windfarm Ltd, which was set up by 2020 Renewables to develop the scheme. The developer has to launch construction works on the so-called Whitelaw Brae project no later than five years from the date of issuance of the permit.

The project envisages the installation of 14 turbines of up to 133.5 metres (438 ft) at Whitelaw Brae, near the village of Tweedsmuir. Two battery storage units totalling 4 MW and a transformer station are also included.

The Scottish Borders Council objected to the scheme in August 2016, prompting a public inquiry a year later. Their opposition was based on concerns about the cumulative visual impact of the planned facility on archaeological sites in the area.

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