Awarded within a week of each other, planning consents for two new battery energy storage sites near Glasgow show demand is strong in both the renewables sector and data-centre industry, in Scotland.
Most recently, renewable energy storage specialist Apatura got the green light for a new grid-scale 50MW/100MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) near the town of East Kilbride, in South Lanarkshire.
This latest approval follows receipt of planning permission just the previous week for a 40MW/80MWh BESS in the village of Eaglesham, in the county of East Renfrewshire, no more than 10 miles from East Kilbride.
A BESS is an advanced technology system designed to store electrical energy during periods of high generation but low demand, which can then be exported back into the grid at times of higher demand.
No long-term impacts on green belt
Located in close proximity to an area substation, the latest 5.5-acre site at East Kilbride represents the ninth BESS planning win secured by Apatura in the last 16 months, bringing its portfolio to over 1.5GW.
The project will consist of 16 battery container units plus associated infrastructure. The development will be screened from all directions with native planting and remain operational for a period of 40 years.
Importantly, the decision notice granting planning permission concluded there would be no significant long-term impacts on the environmental quality of the green belt. The site was also recognised as delivering net economic gain and community benefits, including local employment and supply chain opportunities.
BESS roll-out helps drive energy transition, says Andrew Philpott, Chief Development Officer at Apatura:
“Battery storage facilities underpin the ongoing expansion of the UK’s renewable energy generation capability. They make a significant contribution to enhancing grid security and stability and are integral to enabling our country to decarbonise its energy system and economy, and achieve its net zero targets.
“Battery storage will also help to deliver stable energy prices, leading to reduced bills for households and businesses. It will contribute to greater energy security and independence for the UK in the future.”
Net zero and local job creation
Over in East Renfrewshire, consent on the 8-acre Glasgow Road site is also for grid-scale BESS development.
Located 23 miles from the city of Glasgow, the 40MW scheme will play a crucial role in meeting Scotland’s net zero commitment as set out in the Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019.
When it comes online, it will make a substantial contribution to the government goal of generating 50% of the country’s energy consumption from renewable sources and delivering a net zero energy system by 2045.
Apatura worked closely with East Renfrewshire Council, to achieve this success, which will bring grid resilience, plus create local job opportunities and a Community Benefit Fund.
The proposed development will generate direct employment during the construction, operational and decommissioning phases, as well as indirect job creation in the supply chain and related services.
Scottish communities effectively sit right at the heart of the energy transition, concludes Philpott:
“Scotland is leading the way in building the resilient systems needed for a net zero future. Projects like Glasgow Road are key to enabling the ambitions outlined by NESO in their 2030 Clean Power Pathway.”
With planting of new native species trees to improve biodiversity, the proposed facility will again be screened from all directions. The batteries themselves are coloured green to blend into the existing natural surroundings. Following an in-use period of 40 years, the land will be restored to its original condition.
Headquartered in York with offices in Edinburgh, Apatura specialises in the development, construction, and future operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), plus renewable energy projects, as well as energy infrastructure that can power clean energy solutions and enable essential data-centre services.
Further Reading:
- More about renewable energy storage specialist Apatura;
- More on the Climate Change Act 2008 (2050 Target Amendment) Order 2019;
- More on the 2030 Clean Power Pathway from the National Energy System Operator (NESO);
- Also on SustMeme, Record, but inequitable, growth in renewables;
- Also on SustMeme, Scotland green lights floating offshore wind farm;
- Also on SustMeme, Energy transition to add 40 million jobs by 2050;
- Also on SustMeme, Scotland green lights floating offshore wind farm;
- Also on SustMeme, LDES: ‘Future of Energy’ in The Times;
- Also on SustMeme, World’s biggest vanadium flow battery will time-shift solar in Australia.
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