New approvals, contract awards for U.K. grid-scale battery projects

England and Scotland are set to add new grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects after recent project approvals and contract awards.

Edinburgh-based developer Apatura said its BESS portfolio has passed the 1,035 MW project capacity mark after Renfrewshire Council, in Scotland, approved its plans for a 150 MW BESS in Paisley, 17 miles southwest of Glasgow.

The Neilston BESS marks Apatura’s sixth battery project approval since the start of 2024, the developer said. Apatura did not reveal the storage capacity of the planned Neilston site but said the Scottish government wants 50% of the nation’s overall energy consumption to come from renewables as part of a net zero energy system by 2045.

Apatura Chief Development Officer Andrew Philpott said, “The location of this latest energy storage site speaks to the advantageous position of Scotland in delivering resilient energy infrastructure and will be vital in enabling the goals and aspirations outlined by NESO [the UK’s National Energy System Operator], in their pathways to a clean power system for 2030.”

The overarching United Kingdom government has a net zero date five years later than Scotland, in 2050, and England’s contribution is set to be bolstered by a 90 MW BESS in Bridgwater, in the southwestern county of Somerset.

London-based developer Renewable Connections said Somerset Council approved its plans for the Summerway Drove BESS on Feb. 6.

Approval for the 1.7-acre site takes the developer past the 1 GW point for greenlit projects and the company noted the UK government has estimated BESS could save the country’s energy system up to £40 billion ($49.5 billion) by 2050.

Philip Hale, chief operating officer at Renewable Connections said, “We welcome the decision by Somerset Council to approve the Summerway Drove BESS project. The project will help to tackle the climate emergency in Somerset by using smart technology to store renewable energy that can then be released and deployed as and when required.”

Renewable Connections did not specify the planned storage capacity of the BESS.

US-based infrastructure developer Black & Veatch has announced it has secured the contract to provide owner’s engineer and technical advisor services on two United Kingdom BESS which will have an energy storage capacity of up to 200 MWh.

The company did not specify the rated power of the BESS nor how the 200 MWh is likely to be divided between them.

Announcing the contract wins, Black & Veatch said only that the sites would be developed in north west England and in Scotland.

Robbie Gibson, associate vice president for renewables and grid solutions director for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Black & Veatch, said, “Integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS) into utilities across the UK enhances grid resilience, optimizes plant performance, and promotes sustainable and cost-effective energy practices.”