Proposals to transform Kirklands Farm in Ballingry into battery storage site announced

New battery energy storage plans have been announced for Kirklands Farm in Ballingry.

Developers have submitted a “scoping opinion” request to Fife Council through Prime Transport Planning to test out the idea of a new battery and energy storage farm

In it, they’ve said that “full planning permission will be sought for the construction and operation of a 200MW Battery Energy Store System on land at Kirklands Farm, Ballingry” at some point in the future.

The land is currently used for agricultural purposes, but if developers plans are submitted and approved, it could become a battery farm for energy storage.

Councillors approved a similar 46MW battery energy storage facility at Ballingall Farm in September 2023, and others are being considered elsewhere – including in Leven and across the county border in Clackmannanshire.

According to previous reports, battery facilities will contribute towards national energy security and help the UK reach its net-zero targets.

The batteries store electricity, allowing the local grid network to operate more efficiently.

They take excess energy and store it for later release onto the network at times of peak demand.

Other developers have previously said battery farms contribute to ‘grid balancing’ as the UK switches to renewables.

The council will consider the initial scoping request and issue a response in due course.

Developers intend to bring forward a full planning application with more details at a later date for consideration.