Norwegian renewable energy firm Fred. Olsen Renewables AS has set its sights on Scotland, as it seeks approval from the Scottish government for its inaugural hybrid renewable energy venture in the country.
The proposed Lees Hill Renewable Energy Park, situated in the picturesque Scottish Borders, is slated to integrate onshore wind, solar power, and battery storage capacity, the company revealed on Monday.
Having undergone meticulous planning and extensive public consultation since 2022, the project has been meticulously refined in response to community feedback. Notable adjustments include a reduction in the total number of turbines and a scaled-down area designated for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. The revised proposal, submitted to the government, outlines plans for six turbines reaching heights of up to 200 meters (656 feet) and a 60-MW solar plant, complemented by a 60-MW battery storage facility.
Forecasts suggest that the project will not only contribute significantly to Scotland's renewable energy goals but also inject over GBP 7 million (USD 8.6 million / EUR 8.1 million) annually into community benefit funding throughout the anticipated 35-year lifespan of the installation.
This initiative marks Fred. Olsen Renewables' continued commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions in Scotland. In a previous endeavor, the company applied to the Scottish government in December of the previous year for the establishment of a 57-MW wind turbine park featuring an integrated 10-MW battery energy storage system (BESS) near Forth Augustus.
