- Apatura secures approval for Scotland’s most significant 700 MW standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) in Inverclyde.
- The project will help Scotland meet renewable energy targets and create local job opportunities.
- The system will store surplus renewable energy, enhancing grid stability and reducing household energy costs.
Renewable energy company Apatura has approved a 700 MW standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) in Auchentiber, Inverclyde. This project represents Scotland’s most extensive BESS consent and marks a significant milestone for Apatura.
The Energy Consents Unit was approved on September 11, 2024. Apatura has secured four planning consents in under 12 months, and more projects are on the horizon.
“We’re thrilled that ministers backed this critical project, and Inverclyde Council raised no objections,” said Apatura’s Chief Development Officer Andrew Philpott. “Scotland plays a central role in our plan to harness renewable energy. This approval strengthens our ability to improve energy infrastructure, a key goal in the NGESO Beyond 2023 report.”
The Auchentiber BESS will include battery storage, necessary infrastructure, and the planting of native trees to boost biodiversity. Once operational, it will help Scotland reach its target of generating 50% of its energy from renewables by 2050, supporting the UK’s net-zero objectives outlined in the Climate Change Act 2008.
Scottish Ministers commended Apatura for its community engagement efforts and highlighted the importance of grid-scale battery storage. The system will store surplus electricity generated from renewable sources like wind and solar during periods of low demand and release it back to the grid during peak times, increasing efficiency for renewable energy generators.
Apatura’s latest approval enhances grid resilience and advances decarbonisation efforts. The project will create jobs during the construction, operation, and decommissioning phases and indirect opportunities throughout the supply chain. A Community Benefit Fund will also support local initiatives.
“Our BESS will play a key role in modern energy management,” said Philpott. “It will help improve Scotland’s renewable infrastructure and stabilise energy prices, reduce household bills, and increase energy security.”
This project showcases Apatura’s commitment to delivering clean, reliable energy while supporting Scotland’s renewable energy goals.