We’ve recently hit a major milestone in our mission to support the UK’s decarbonisation of the energy network by 2030.
Successfully securing several planning approvals for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Scotland, we are one step closer to helping change the way the world powers its future — one project at a time.
In this piece, we’ll take you through the BESS project approvals we have recently achieved in Scotland, before giving you an insight into our project pipeline and explaining the significance of our BESS success in Scotland in particular.
Read on for more.
Our recent BESS planning approvals
Our most recent BESS planning approval was granted on the 2nd of May 2024 by Clackmannanshire Council for our Devonside 25 MW BESS project. This approval is just one in a series of significant BESS achievements, underscoring our commitment to advancing renewable energy solutions.
Prior to the Devonside success, we were also able to secure planning approval from Moray Council on the 21st of December 2023 for the Elgin 30 MW BESS. Similarly, on the 13th of December 13 2023, we gained approval for our Saltcoats 30 MW BESS by North Ayrshire Council too.
This steady chain of successful approvals marks a critical milestone in our strategy to enhance the renewable energy infrastructure in Scotland, reflecting our dedication to creating a more sustainable and resilient energy network. With each project, we move closer to our goal of providing reliable, clean energy to communities across the region.
A proven track record of success
But the BESS project approvals celebrated above are not in isolation — they fit into our wider success story when it comes to securing planning approval for influential renewable energy projects in local regions.
Extending our reach even further than BESS projects, we have also secured planning approvals for 100 MW of large-scale ground-mounted solar projects and 30 MW of single wind turbines.
With such diversity in our portfolio of projects, we are able to take a far more comprehensive approach to renewable energy, utilising a variety of innovative technologies to enhance grid stability.
BESS projects in our pipeline
But what’s next? As of June 2024, we have an additional 2.04 GW of BESS projects submitted for planning approval which we expect will be approved within half a year. These projects in our pipeline will form essential contributions to the 9 GW we have in in Scotland and 11.6 GW we have across the UK, too.
Reflecting on our pipeline — and our position at the very forefront of the UK’s BESS advancements — our Chief Development Officer, Andrew Philpott, had the following to say:
“Our significant pipeline of BESS projects ensures that Apatura has a key role to play in providing vital grid balancing services and a more resilient electricity network.
We are expecting a large proportion of our Scotland projects to receive planning permission in the coming months, which will assist with achieving the aims and ambitions of the Beyond 2030 report, set out by the National Grid’s Electricity System Operator.”
Why Scotland?
Our focus on Scotland forms a key component of our broader strategic vision to harness the region’s unique renewable energy potential in order to develop resilient energy infrastructure in the UK.
Scotland’s abundant natural resources — including wind, solar, and hydroelectric power — coupled with its supportive policy environment, make it an ideal location for our initiatives. Under these favourable conditions, we are able to develop and implement effective renewable energy projects that not only positively contribute to local energy needs, but also support the UK’s wider transition to sustainable energy sources.
Our aim is, by investing in Scotland, to create far more resilient and efficient energy infrastructure as well as fostering strong partnerships and engaging with local communities in doing so.
Looking to the future
So, where do we go from here? Whilst we celebrate the successful BESS approvals we have obtained thus far, we understand that these are just one step in the much longer journey of advancing the renewable energy sector.
However, not only do these BESS project approvals highlight our dedication to innovation, they also demonstrate our pivotal role in using said innovation to shape the future of energy storage and grid stability.
We look forward to further expanding our operations — in Scotland and beyond — to endure a greener, more resilient future for renewable energy.
Want to find out more about our recent approvals and future plans? Get in touch with our team of renewable energy experts by contacting. In the meantime, keep up with our latest developments on our News page.
