Alcemi, a developer of battery energy storage systems, has secured planning approval in Scotland for two battery energy storage system (BESS) projects totaling 1.5 GW. Alcemi is implementing the projects as a component of a larger 4 GW energy storage portfolio in the UK. Located in Fife, north of Edinburgh, is the 500 MW and 1,000 MWh Devilla energy storage facility.
Reportedly, the Rawhills energy storage plant, with a capacity of 1 GW (two gigawatt-hours), is located in Coalburn, south of Glasgow. Both have been planned to comply with safety and environmental standards in consultation with stakeholders and local authorities. They are being developed in partnership with CIP through its flagship funds.
The Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit also approved the two projects’ planning applications. CIP is expected to make the FID on the projects later in 2024, with construction commencing shortly thereafter. The strategic partnership between CIP and Alcemi was established in March 2022.
REGlobal’s Views: Like many other parts of the world, the Scottish grid is becoming increasingly reliant on renewables, and thus, energy storage is emerging as a critical part of the energy landscape to ensure grid stability. Scotland has witnessed many energy storage projects announcements in the recent years including those by Zenobē Energy, ScottishPower Renewables, ENGIE, Statkraft and others, as the country gears up for large-scale integration of renewables including offshore wind in its grid.
