Plans for a large-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) near Bathgate have been approved by West Lothian Council.
The project, to be located to the west of Bathgate beside the A801 near Middlerigg Farm, aims to support the transition to renewable energy by safely storing electricity generated from wind and solar sources. The stored energy can then be released when demand is high, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut carbon emissions.
The approved development includes a BESS with a capacity of up to 49.9 MW, along with associated infrastructure such as a new access road with a deceleration lane off the A801 near the Heatherfield Roundabout and additional tree planting to enhance the site's environmental impact.
Planning officers recommended the proposal be granted, noting it aligns with several national policy priorities focused on climate action, renewable energy expansion, sustainability, rural development and biodiversity promotion.
The site, currently used as rough grazing land, has been granted conditional planning permission for a period of 30 years.
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