Planning permission for renewable energy storage specialist Apatura to build and operate a new 100 megawatt (MW) capacity Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Tealing, near Dundee, has been approved by Scottish Ministers.

The Tealing development will be one of the largest battery energy storage schemes in the UK and is Apatura's fifth approved project in 12 months.

"When operational, the new facility will make a significant contribution to enhancing UK energy grid security and grid stability," said Andrew Philpott, Chief Development Officer at Apatura.

"It will play a key role in supporting the UK's transition to renewable energy and a low carbon economy as part of its net zero commitments."

The proposed new facility will consist of 52 lithium-ion batteries securely housed in steel containers and will be directly connected by an underground grid cable to the nearby Tealing substation.

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To minimise disruption to the local environment, the development will include new native species tree and wildflower planting to deliver a biodiversity net gain at the 2.5 hectare site.

Mr Philpott continued: "Importantly, the proposed development will provide a significant boost to the local economy by creating jobs during the construction, operational and eventual decommissioning phases of the facility, as well as indirect job creation in the supply chain, maintenance and other related services."

Local authority Angus Council lodged no objections to the proposed development after Scottish Ministers approved the scheme.

In the letter raising no objections to the scheme, Angus Council noted that: "The development would contribute towards meeting government energy targets and generally complies with the relevant policies of the Angus Local Development Plan and National Planning Framework 4 [for the development and use of land]."

Mr Philpott explained: "With its abundant renewable energy resources and viable grid connections, Scotland is poised to play a leading role in providing the clean, affordable renewable energy that will power the UK’s net zero future.

"Battery storage schemes like the project planned for Tealing are an essential part of the infrastructure needed for the UK to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy, which will help to deliver stable energy prices and reduce bills for households.

"The UK's transition to renewables will also contribute to increased national energy security and independence from imported energy. Apatura's mission is to turn the UK’s renewable energy goals into reality."

Picture credit: iStock