This latest approval expands Apatura’s BESS portfolio to in excess of 1035 MW. The Neilston site in Paisley is the sixth Apatura BESS that has received planning permission in the last 14 months. When it comes online, it will make a substantial contribution to the Scottish Government’s goal of generating 50 percent of Scotland's overall energy consumption from renewable sources and to have delivered a net zero energy system by 2045.
“We welcome the Scottish Government's decision to approve this essential energy storage project, with no objections from Renfrewshire Council. Scotland is taking a lead role in driving the UK towards its net zero future” said Andrew Philpott, Chief Development Officer at Apatura. “The location of this latest energy storage site speaks to the advantageous position of Scotland in delivering resilient energy infrastructure and will be vital in enabling the goals and aspirations outlined by NESO, in their pathways to a Clean Power system for 2030. Not only does Scotland as a country take centre stage in the UK’s drive to a net zero future, so do the Scottish communities pioneering a renewable future.”
The Neilston BESS, which will comprise a battery storage facility, associated infrastructure and the planting of new native species trees to improve biodiversity, was approved by the Energy Consents Unit on 4th February 2025.
Apatura worked closely with the Energy Consents Unit and Renfrewshire Council, to achieve this success, which will bring grid resilience, create local job opportunities and a Community Benefit Fund. Direct employment opportunities are expected during the construction, operational, and decommissioning phases and indirect job creation throughout the supply chain and related services.
According to the Decision Letter, the project is ‘needed to ensure a secure electricity system, with economic benefits’ and that the site ‘will be vital to help maintain the balance between supply and demand’ when it comes to energy curtailment.
As part of the letter, Scottish Ministers also stated that ‘secure and stable energy supply is a fundamental need of a prosperous economy’ and that the project ‘would provide further benefit to the economy through its contribution to underpinning energy security and flexibility.’
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