Construction has begun on a major new Battery Energy Storage Site (BESS) in Bearsden, near Glasgow, which will help strengthen the resilience of the UK's electricity network.

Mitie Power & Grid is developing the Windyhill BESS, which will store renewable electricity from the grid and release it when demand is high.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the site to mark the start of construction.

The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in early 2028 and will provide 200MW/400MWh of storage capacity.

Once operational, the first phase will be capable of storing enough renewable electricity to power up to 55,000 homes for two hours.

A second phase of the same size is planned for the site, which is expected to become one of Scotland's largest battery energy storage facilities.

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The project will help balance electricity supply and demand, maximise the use of renewable energy generated across Scotland and provide greater flexibility to the UK's energy system.

Windyhill is being delivered in partnership with Revera Energy, an independent energy infrastructure business backed by Carlyle.

Revera will provide the battery energy storage system, while Mitie will lead the design and construction of the 132kV grid connection, as well as the civil and electrical balance of plant works.

Mitie will also provide long-term maintenance services for the site once it is operational.

Around 60 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase, providing a boost to the local economy in Bearsden and surrounding areas.

The project forms part of Mitie's wider work supporting the UK's clean power ambitions through the development of energy infrastructure, including battery storage, solar photovoltaic projects, large-scale decarbonisation programmes and data centre infrastructure.

Mitie's Projects division has delivered more than 40 BESS developments to date, representing more than 40% of the UK's operational battery energy storage sites.

The Windyhill development is intended to support the continued expansion of renewable energy while helping create a more flexible and resilient electricity network.