BESS roundup: Scottish storage systems to keep an eye on

A variety of diverse battery energy storage (BESS) projects have been announced in Scotland as the UK moves ahead with its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.

The UK is considered one of Europe’s most mature market for battery energy storage systems, and it continues to grow rapidly. 

With its Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, the UK has set a target of providing 27GW of battery storage capacity by 2030, primarily for grid-connected applications to support carbon-free electricity supply.

Capacity from storage can help balance supply and demand, maximise generation from renewables by reducing the requirement for expensive curtailment of renewable generation, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

And now a slew of battery projects have been announced, specifically in Scotland. These include Rolls-Royce’s first large scale BESS in Falkirk, Matrix and EDF’s 500MW/1GWh project in Eccles, and e-STORAGE’s 150/300MWh AC installation in Neilston.

EDF and Matrix Renewables: Eccles 500MW/1GWh

EDF has entered into a long-term Battery Optimisation Agreement with Matrix Renewables for a 500MW/1GWh battery energy storage system under development at Eccles, Scotland. Under the agreement, EDF will provide route-to-market services and optimise the battery across all energy markets once operational.

The project is currently under construction – scheduled to begin commercial operations in summer 2027 – and will be Matrix Renewables’ first standalone battery storage development in the UK and one of the largest connected to the British electricity system. 

Located along key transmission corridors between Scotland and England, the site is strategically positioned to support the efficient flow of electricity across the network and to strengthen the grid’s resilience.

When operational, EDF will manage the commercial optimisation and dispatch of the battery using Powershift, its advanced digital trading and optimisation platform. 

Through Powershift, EDF will maximise value across wholesale and balancing markets, delivering essential grid services, supporting system stability.

According to EDF, it will also enable greater integration of renewable energy, with EDF now optimising a growing portfolio of battery assets across the UK and approaching 2GW of live, operational capacity under management.

Stuart Fenner, Commercial Director of Business & Wholesale Services at EDF, said:

“Delivering EDF’s mission to build an Electric Britain depends on flexible assets that can respond instantly to the needs of the system. 

“This project will provide exactly that capability. Using our Powershift platform, we will optimise the battery in real time to support grid stability, manage peak demand, and help integrate more low-carbon generation.”

Chris Matthews, Chief Commercial Officer at Matrix Renewables, added:

“We are proud to deliver our first major battery project in the UK alongside a partner of EDF’s experience and capability. This agreement provides a strong platform for our continued investment and growth in the UK’s energy transition.”

All planning conditions have been discharged and full consent secured, enabling construction to progress at pace. The project forms part of Matrix Renewables’ ambition to develop more than 3GW of battery storage in the UK in the coming years.

A Rolls-Royce first

Rolls-Royce has begun construction on an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract from Voltaria Helios Energy Storage to supply a battery energy storage facility in Falkirk, Scotland. 

The project, Rolls-Royce’s first large battery energy storage project in the UK, aims to help stabilise the grid using a 43MW/86MWh mtu EnergyPack - equivalent to the demand of around ten thousand homes or a large industrial site.

The project, which will store electrical energy during periods of high renewable energy production and feed it back into the grid during peak demand, is slated to come online in 2027. It will also facilitate additional renewable generation by avoiding uneconomical turn-down of wind generation. 

Rolls-Royce will maintain the system for 15 years.

Commenting in a release was Nigel Jefferson, Chief Executive Officer at Voltaria: “The Bankside project in Falkirk is the first of many battery energy storage sites Voltaria intends to deliver and operate. Rolls-Royce were selected because we were impressed by their commercial and technical offering, as well as their technical advice and engagement in the run-up to the decision, and their 15-year full-wrap long-term service agreement. 

“Rolls-Royce and the CATL battery solution are market leaders, and both stand for quality, so our expectations for the delivery and operation of this project are high. Rolls-Royce has also leveraged the Scottish supply chain, which is great to see.”

Said Andreas Görtz, President Business Unit Mobile & Sustainable at Rolls-Royce Power Systems: “As a European turnkey integrator, we foster the energy transition by delivering storage solutions – from system design and EPC delivery to intelligent control and lifecycle support. Our collaboration with Voltaria draws on all the experience we have gained in over 200 battery projects worldwide.”

More on BESS:
Nidec Conversion and Rolls-Royce to power a 582MWh BESS in Lithuania
NGEN breaks ground on 170MWh battery system in Austria
TotalEnergies sells 50% stake in 800MW German battery portfolio to AllianzGI

e-STORAGE and Drax: 420MWh in the UK

Canadian Solar Inc. announced that e-STORAGE, its energy storage solutions business, will deliver a total of 420MWh AC of battery energy storage systems for Drax Group across two projects in the United Kingdom.

The projects include a 150MW/300MWh AC installation in Neilston, Scotland, and a 60MW/120MWh AC installation in Marfleet, England. 

Both projects are being developed by Apatura, a UK energy infrastructure company specializing in large-scale battery storage and enabling digital infrastructure. The projects have been acquired by Drax and will become part of Drax's FlexGen portfolio. 

Battery installations are scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2026 at the Marfleet site, with the Neilston project expected to start installations in early 2027.

Under the agreements, e-STORAGE will supply a fully integrated and commissioned battery energy storage system, including its SolBank 3.0 energy storage batteries. e-STORAGE will also provide operational services for the project under a long-term service agreement covering monitoring, preventative maintenance, and performance analytics.

The combined system supply and long-term service support are designed to ensure consistent operational availability across the lifecycle of the asset. When operational, the systems will enhance grid flexibility in the region and support the integration of additional renewable generation into the UK electricity system.

Lee Dawes, Chief Operations Officer of Drax Group, said: "We are looking forward to working with e-STORAGE and Apatura on the development of these battery storage assets. This is our first investment in short-duration storage, and these assets will complement our existing generation portfolio. 

“As the UK network increases its reliance on intermittent renewables, these batteries will provide secure power and help keep the lights on when the wind isn't blowing and the sun isn't shining."

Giles Hanglin, Chief Executive Officer of Apatura, stated: "Marfleet and Neilston represent important milestones in building the flexible, resilient energy infrastructure the UK needs to meet its decarbonization ambitions. 

“By combining our development expertise with e-STORAGE's technology and Drax's operational capability, we are delivering assets that strengthen grid security and enable more renewable power to flow onto the system."

Colin Parkin, President of Canadian Solar and President of e-STORAGE, added: "This collaboration with Drax and Apatura reflects our shared commitment to advancing a more flexible and resilient energy system in the UK. 

“Leveraging the strong foundation and operational expertise we have established in this market, we are dedicated to delivering reliable system performance and service excellence to customers across Europe."