Gresham House are proposing to construct and operate a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).
They will be connecting into the Scottish Power Transmission (SPT) network who are building their own substation. This is at a point in the network where renewable generation, together with Battery Storage, can provide this power, quality and resilience.
Locating the BESS project adjacent to the SPT Cockenzie Substation provides a viable and cost effective connection at this important node of the network.
SPT are a distribution and transmission network operator who take electricity generated from power stations, windfarms and various other utilities and transport it through their vast transmission network. Their systems are crucial to the delivery of the Government’s renewable energy objectives.
An initial consultation exhibition was held on 1st June 2023. A second consultation will now be held prior to an application being submitted to the Energy Consents Unit (ECU).
The Scottish Government has set a target within The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Act 2019, to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, with an initial target of being able to achieve this for short periods by 2025. National Grid estimate that 13GW of batteries are required to ensure that energy generated by renewables can be stored when it is not required, and then used when it is and to provide power quality services as traditional generation is phased down.
The site is located within Land at Former Cockenzie Power Station under policy PROP EGT1 within the East Lothian Council Local Development Plan 2018. This policy states “Land at the above site will be safeguarded for future thermal power generation and carbon capture and storage consistent with National Development 3. Land at Cockenzie may also present significant opportunities for renewable energy-related investment. The council will work together with developers, the landowner, the relevant agencies, local organisations and interested parties, including local residents to ensure that the best use is made of the existing land and infrastructure in this area. If there is insufficient land for competing proposals, priority will be given to those which make best use of the location’s assets and which will bring the greatest economic benefits. Development proposals must avoid unacceptable impact on the amenity of the surrounding area, including residential development.”
As such, the site is considered to be suitable for battery energy storage use.
As part of the proposals a substation is proposed on the site which the BESS will connect to. The substation will be at a point in the network where renewable generation, including Battery Storage, can provide this power quality and resilience. Locating the substation and BESS on the same site, ensures a cost effective and viable connection at this important node of the network.
The proposed battery storage energy facility would provide a significant contribution to the energy storage targets in the timescales necessary to contribute to the UK’s progress in meeting its renewable energy targets. It would also provide rapid-response electrical backup to the Scottish Power Transmission, providing a flexible system to balance energy supply and demand.
