Fife approves new battery storage complex

Fife Council’s west and central planning committee unanimously approved the construction and operation of the system between Kirkcaldy and Thornton.A committee report said the development will “assist in improving the stability and security of electricity provision to the National Grid as it moves to greater decarbonisation of Scotland’s electricity supply”.The report added: “All forms of renewable, low-carbon and zero emissions technologies will be supported, and these include enabling works, such as grid transmission and distribution infrastructure. Significant weight will be placed on the contribution of the proposal to renewable energy generation targets and on greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.”Philip John, of Relay Balbeggie Ltd, is behind the application to develop the battery energy storage system and associated infrastructure.The site will host 30 battery container units positioned interspersed with 15 Power Conversion System (PCS) units. The site will have a maximum import capacity of up to 49 MW.