Eccles, Scottish Borders
400MW/800MWh Battery Energy Storage System
The Eccles Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a significant investment in Scotland’s electricity infrastructure, helping to maximise the use of renewable energy and support a more resilient electricity network.
Part of our £750m portfolio of battery energy storage systems in Scotland
Zenobē designs, finances, builds, owns and operates battery energy storage systems (BESS). We help grid operators overcome the challenges in balancing supply and demand and overcoming power stability and constraints as we transition away from fossil fuels towards net zero.
By 2027, Zenobē is on track to deliver 1.6GW of battery power, which will make us one of the largest owners and operators of battery storage in the UK.
400MW /
800MWh
battery to reduce wasted wind energy
2027
site is expected to go into operation
4th site
of £750m portfolio to go into construction
Project description
Our site sits on 20 acres (8 hectares) of agricultural land located approximately 500m south of Eccles Substation in the administrative area of Scottish Borders Council.
The development comprises the construction and operation of a battery storage scheme, with a total capacity of 400 MW. The principal components of the development include:
- 216 Megapack battery energy storage units
- 112 medium-voltage transformers
- Three supergrid transformers, switchrooms and control buildings
- Internal access tracks and hardstanding areas
- Underground cables connecting the battery system to Eccles Substation
- Security lighting, CCTV and perimeter fencing
- Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS)
- Landscape planting and biodiversity enhancement measures
Project programme
The sections below provide an overview of the Eccles Battery Energy Storage System from construction through to operation and eventual decommissioning.
Construction
Construction of the Eccles BESS is largely complete. Works have included the installation of battery energy storage units, transformers, cable infrastructure and associated electrical equipment, together with site access improvements, drainage systems, security infrastructure and landscaping works. The project has now moved beyond the most intensive phases of construction, with activity on site significantly reduced.
Throughout construction, Zenobē has maintained regular engagement with local stakeholders through public meetings, ongoing discussions with Leitholm, Eccles & Birgham Community Council, project newsletters and updates via the project website.
Commissioning
The project will progress through testing and commissioning activities to ensure all systems operate safely and effectively before entering service.
Operation
Once operational, Eccles BESS will provide essential services that support a more flexible, reliable and low-carbon electricity network. Operational maintenance requirements are low, resulting in minimal vehicle movements to and from the site.
Decommissioning
At the end of the site’s operational life, equipment and infrastructure will be removed and the land restored in accordance with the relevant planning and environmental requirements.
Community benefit
Zenobē is committed to creating positive, long-term benefits for local communities. Working with Leitholm, Eccles & Birgham Community Council and other local stakeholders, we are developing a Community Benefit Fund designed to support local priorities and deliver lasting benefits for the area.
Further information will be shared as the fund progresses.
Who are Zenobē?
Zenobē designs, builds and operates battery energy storage systems (BESS) that maximise the uptake of renewable power, ensuring it does not go to waste and can power our homes and our transport.
Founded in the UK in 2017, we will deliver 1.6GW worth of battery storage projects by 2027.
Scotland's commitment to net-zero
The Scottish and UK Governments have made a legal commitment to cut carbon emissions to net-zero. With the move away from fossil fuels, the demand for electricity will increase with the need to electrify transport, heating and more.
Battery storage plays a key role in helping the UK meet its net zero ambitions as it allows a greater amount of cheap renewable energy to be deployed whilst providing critical balancing and stability services without the need for traditional fossil power stations.
What is a grid-scale battery and what does it do?
Renewable energy is intermittent which means at any time there is a risk of it generating too much or too little in relation to demand from homes, businesses and transport.
Batteries provide ‘flexibility’ and the ability to balance the fluctuating supply and demand on the electricity system which comes with increased deployment of renewable and decentralised energy generation. For example, if wind turbines are generating more power than demand allows, batteries store this surplus energy. When wind generation is low but demand is high, battery operators release the stored electricity back into the system, ensuring this energy is not wasted.
Batteries also provide a wide range of additional services needed to maintain grid stability and keep the lights on. Our batteries have been the first in the world to provide fast reserve, to be used for reactive power and to manage grid constraints on the transmission network.
Our bespoke solutions range from ancillary, balancing and wholesale trading, to providing inertia, short circuit level, and voltage management.
Zenobē also provides non-wire alternative solutions that reduce or eliminate expensive network reinforcement costs. These are specific solutions that are essential to a decarbonised electricity system.
Why Eccles?
Eccles substation is part of the 400kV electricity network responsible for transmitting renewable energy generated in Scotland to other parts of the UK where demand is greatest. The substation was identified by the National Grid Electricity System Operator (NGESO) as one of several strategic locations on the transmission network that required critical stability services. Zenobē secured the long-term contract with NGESO to provide these critical services at Eccles.
Without storage schemes like our Eccles project, offshore and onshore wind and other renewable energy will be severely curtailed in the second half of this decade and fossil fuelled power stations will be called upon to deliver stability services. As such, battery schemes like Eccles are classified as Critical National Priority Infrastructure by the UK Government.
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about our battery energy storage system in development in Eccles, Berwickshire contact our project management team via email Eccles project team: contact.eccles@zenobe.com
If you cannot find the document you are looking for, get in touch with our project development team by emailing ukprojects@zenobe.com
