The facility, situated on a five-and-a-half-acre site, will connect to the East Kilbride substation. It is designed to collect, store, and release renewable energy into the UK grid, supporting nationwide energy needs. The site will feature 16 battery container units, along with transformers, a substation building, and other necessary infrastructure. Native planting will screen the development from all sides, ensuring minimal visual impact.
The BESS is approved to operate for 40 years, after which the land will be restored to its original state. The planning decision noted: “There would be no significant long-term impacts on the environmental quality of the green belt.” It also recognized the project’s role in addressing climate change, stating that it would “make a contribution towards tackling climate change, mitigation and adaptation, and would be a positive response to the global climate emergency and nature crisis.” Additionally, the development is expected to deliver “a net economic gain and community benefits, including local employment and supply chain opportunities.”
Andrew Philpott, Apatura’s chief development officer, emphasized the project’s importance: “Battery storage facilities like our planned development at East Kilbride underpin the ongoing expansion of the UK’s renewable energy generation capability. They make a significant contribution to enhancing UK grid security and grid stability and are integral to enabling our country to decarbonise its energy system and its economy and achieve its net zero targets.” Philpott also highlighted the economic benefits, noting: “It will directly create jobs with the construction, operational, and decommissioning phases of the project, and also indirectly in the supply chain and related services.”
Recently, Apatura secured approval for a 40MW / 80MWh BESS in Eaglesham, East Renfrewshire, approximately 10 miles from East Kilbride. The East Kilbride project is poised to bolster local employment and stimulate the regional economy during its construction and operational phases. By enhancing grid stability and supporting renewable energy integration, the facility aligns with the UK’s broader decarbonization goals, contributing to a sustainable energy future while fostering economic growth in South Lanarkshire.
