PLANS have been submitted to West Lothian Council for the creation of a battery energy storage system (BESS) at a site between Bathgate and Armdale.
Renewable energy developer, Galileo, is behind the plans with the firm adding that a community benefit fund of £500,000 will be offered to the local communities over the lifetime of the project.
The proposed battery storage facility, with a capacity of up to 49.9MW, would be located on land adjacent to the A801, northwest of Bathgate Substation. BESS is an advanced technology, which supports the transition away from polluting fossil fuels to clean green renewable electricity, the generation of which is intermittent in nature.
The facility would store surplus electricity in rechargeable batteries when demand is low and release it back into the electricity grid when demand is high, helping balance the network and make the most of renewable energy in tackling climate change and the drive to net zero.
Through delivering greater energy security, and reducing reliance on volatile imported fossil fuels, the facility would further benefit consumers by facilitating the supply of homegrown and more affordable zero-carbon electricity, Galileo said.
The team behind the proposals, led by Galileo’s senior project manager Laura Petrie, are keen that individuals, local groups, and organisations are in touch with the project team directly to provide feedback, so a greater understanding of what this funding could be used for can be gained.
Galileo said it is also committed to ensuring that, ‘wherever reasonably possible’, local suppliers and contractors are used in all aspects of the construction and operation of the battery storage facility.
The submission of the planning application follows the recent opening of a supplier portal by Galileo, giving businesses the opportunity to formally register their interest in delivering the project.
Speaking after the submission of the planning application, Laura said, “We are delighted to be submitting this planning application for our battery storage facility at Middlerigg, which follows extensive engagement with local communities.
“Infrastructure such as this has a vital part to play as we move away from polluting fossil fuels to clean green renewable energy, playing a critical role in tackling climate change and supporting Scotland to achieve its net-zero target.
“As with all our projects, 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.
“Our community benefit fund, for example, amounts to £500,000, and we are keen to get a greater understanding of that this could be used for. The development will also deliver considerable investment, creating jobs and boosting the skills of our current and future workforce.
“We look forward to continuing to engage with the council and local communities throughout the planning process.”
Paul Hunter, chief executive of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce, commented “Renewable energy developments such as this have the potential to deliver considerable investment, creating local jobs, boosting the skills of our current and future workforce and deliver sustainable economic growth.
“We are pleased to note Galileo’s commitment to prioritising the use of local suppliers and contractors in all aspects of the battery storage development. If the development is approved, we look forward to continuing to work with the company to maximise the opportunities available in the local supply chain.”
