BATTERY storage developer Kona Energy has announced it has secured a circa £40 million capacity market contract for its Smeaton project – a 228MW/456MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in East Lothian.
The milestone follows the successful granting of planning consent for the site.
The project benefits from two ‘protections’ under the ongoing Grid Connection Reform and Clean Power 2030 plan, with a commitment from NESO to bring projects online ahead of their capacity market delivery year.
The Smeaton BESS is tipped to play a crucial role in reducing grid constraints and strengthening energy resilience.
With the upcoming closure of the Torness nuclear power station and significant transmission constraints between Scotland and England, Smeaton is said to be ‘ideally positioned’ to store excess renewable energy and release it when and where it is most needed.
Andy Willis, founder of Kona Energy, said, “This is a defining moment for Kona Energy and the Smeaton project. Securing a £40 million capacity market contract is a testament to the project’s quality and national importance. The Kona team is wholly supportive of both Grid Connection Reform and Clean Power 2030; this contract not only provides an attractive index lined revenue contract but as importantly a de-risked grid connection which is crucial to investor confidence.
“Smeaton will help tackle the UK’s growing grid challenges by transforming wasted renewable energy into a valuable resource. As we advance towards delivery, we are actively engaging with select strategic partners who can bring the right expertise and capital to maximise the project’s potential – we are open for further discussions with third parties who can bring extensive value in order to deliver this project on the ambitious scale we are aiming for.”
Detailed design work is already underway in partnership with Scottish Power Transmission and supply chain partners.
