Apatura, a leading developer in renewable energy storage, has received planning consent for its latest battery energy storage system (BESS) at Eaglesham, East Renfrewshire.
The East Renfrewshire Council approved the project, which will see a 40-megawatt (80MWh) facility constructed on the east side of Glasgow Road.
This new development marks the eighth such project that Apatura has secured planning permission for in the past 16 months, bringing its total consented energy storage portfolio to 1.5GW. The Eaglesham site will cover eight acres and is expected to be operational for 40 years, after which the land will be restored to its original condition.
Andrew Philpott, Chief Development Officer at Apatura, welcomed the council’s decision, stating: “We welcome East Renfrewshire Council’s decision to approve this essential energy storage project. Projects like Glasgow Road are key to enabling the ambitions outlined by NESO in their 2030 Clean Power Pathway; Scottish communities are right at the heart of this transition.”
Benefits to the Local Community and Environment
The construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning of the Eaglesham BESS are projected to generate around 25 full-time jobs, with additional indirect employment opportunities arising throughout the supply chain and related services. The site will also feature associated infrastructure and extensive native tree planting, both to enhance biodiversity and to ensure the facility is well screened from all directions.
Battery energy storage systems like the one at Eaglesham are vital for storing surplus renewable energy generated during periods of low demand and releasing it back into the grid when demand is high. This functionality is crucial for grid stability and supports the integration of more renewable energy sources, helping Scotland and the wider UK move closer to their net zero targets.
The Eaglesham project is part of Apatura’s broader mission to deliver sustainable energy infrastructure across Scotland. The company’s growing portfolio includes several other major BESS projects, such as a 700MW facility in Inverclyde and a 400MW site near Stirling, both of which have received planning consent in the past year.
A Model for Sustainable Development
In addition to its energy benefits, the Eaglesham BESS demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship. The project includes plans for native species planting to promote biodiversity, and after its 40-year operational lifespan, the land will be returned to its original state.
With planning permission now secured, Apatura’s Eaglesham battery storage project stands as a significant step forward in Scotland’s renewable energy journey. By enhancing grid resilience, supporting local communities, and contributing to national net zero ambitions, the project exemplifies the role of innovative energy storage in powering a sustainable future for Scotland and the UK
