Galileo has submitted a planning application to West Lothian Council for a 50MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project located between Bathgate and Armadale, Scotland. The proposed facility will have a capacity of up to 49.9MW and will be situated on land near the A801, northwest of Bathgate Substation.
As part of the project, Galileo is offering a £500,000 community benefit fund (index-linked) to local communities in Bathgate and Armadale, to be used over the lifetime of the project. The company is actively engaging with local individuals, groups, and organizations to gather feedback on how the funding could best serve the communities.
Galileo is also committed to supporting local businesses by prioritizing the use of local suppliers and contractors during the construction and operation of the facility. To facilitate this, the company recently opened a supplier portal, inviting businesses to register their interest in participating in the project.
Laura Petrie, Senior Project Manager at Galileo, emphasized the company's dedication to working closely with local communities. “We've made sure to work closely with local communities throughout the planning process and are confident that this project will bring considerable economic and environmental benefits to West Lothian,” she said. “Our community benefit fund amounts to £500,000, and we are keen to get a greater understanding of how this could be used.”
Paul Hunter, Chief Executive of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce, praised Galileo's approach, particularly the focus on local supply chains. “We are pleased to note Galileo's commitment to prioritizing the use of local suppliers and contractors. If the development is approved, we look forward to working with the company to maximize the opportunities available in the local supply chain,” he said.
