RES Files Planning Application for 150 MW Battery Storage Project in Scotland

Renewable energy developer RES has submitted a planning application for a 150 megawatt (MW) battery energy storage system (BESS) in East Ayrshire, Scotland, aimed at supporting grid stability and net-zero targets.

The Westport battery facility, situated between Coalhall and Ochiltree near the Coylton substation, has been lodged with Scottish Ministers via a Section 36 application to the Energy Consents Unit.

John Hills, development project manager at RES, said the location was selected for its minimal visual impact and proximity to existing grid infrastructure.

“We have designed the Westport BESS to sit sensitively into the local landscape and have carefully assessed and mitigated any potential cumulative effects to ensure a responsible development,” Hills said.

He added that the company’s landscaping and biodiversity plans received positive local feedback. “Presenting this plan at our second exhibition reinforced our confidence that our approach… has been well-received locally,” he said.

The UK government’s smart systems modelling indicates that short-duration flexibility technologies like Westport could reduce the need for new peaking generation and cut system costs by up to £10 billion annually by 2050.

RES has delivered more than 830 MW of battery projects across the UK and Ireland and currently manages over 600 MW of operational capacity from its Glasgow-based control centre.