Battery storage sites deemed ‘formidable’ for Scotland’s energy future

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy An £800 million deal which will create two further battery energy storage sites in Scotland – each of which are the largest in Europe – has been hailed as “formidable” by First Minister John Swinney. “But there are very robust safety guidelines associated with battery storage, so people don’t need to worry about that aspect of things.” She said a balance has to be struck between making Scotland an investable location for energy infrastructure and ensuring developments happen in “the right place”. Nischal Agarwal, partner at CIP, said: “CIP’s latest investments in Scottish battery energy storage will support the UK’s pursuit of a clean power system by 2030 and delivering a net zero carbon economy by 2050. “Battery storage which is well located, like our Coalburn and Devilla projects, enhances energy security, provides the grid with much needed flexibility, and enables low-cost renewables to be deployed faster.” UK minister for investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson said: “This £800 million commitment is a major vote of confidence in the UK’s investment environment and supports our mission to become a clean energy superpower.”