Coalburn 1 battery storage system begins operations in Scotland

Coalburn 1, a 500 MW lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) located in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, has commenced commercial operations. As a two-hour duration facility, it is currently the largest operational battery in Europe.

Developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) through its Copenhagen Infrastructure IV fund in partnership with UK developer Alcemi, the project utilized SolBank battery technology supplied by Canadian Solar’s e-STORAGE subsidiary. The facility is intended to enhance the flexibility and resilience of the UK electricity system while supporting the integration of renewable energy.

Coalburn 1 is the first of three transmission-connected assets being developed by CIP in Scotland. The other two projects, Coalburn 2 and Devilla, are expected to eventually provide a combined 1.5 GW of power capacity and 3 GWh of energy storage. CIP also reached an agreement to divest a 50% ownership stake in Coalburn 1 to AXA IM Alts.