The BESS facility will mitigate grid constraints and lower energy costs for consumers. Credit: Es sarawuth / Shutterstock.

UK’s Kona Energy has obtained approval from the Scottish government for its 228MW Smeaton battery energy storage system (BESS) project.

Located near Dalkeith in East Lothian, the project will bolster the UK’s renewable energy capabilities and grid stability.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

It will integrate renewable energy into the grid by storing excess power and releasing it during periods of high demand.

By storing energy from renewable sources, the facility will help mitigate grid constraints and cut consumer energy costs.

Its strategic location will improve grid resilience and play a pivotal role in the UK’s ambition to achieve a zero-carbon future.

According to the National Grid Electricity System Operator (ESO), constraint costs on the UK grid could rise to as much as £3bn by 2029, primarily due to the need to curtail wind energy production in Scotland.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The Smeaton BESS project will be vital for reducing costs, lowering consumer energy bills and preventing clean energy waste.

With the Torness nuclear power station set to close in 2028, the Smeaton BESS will also be crucial for preserving local network stability.

The scheme is in line with Kona’s collaborative efforts with the ESO and the National Grid to address energy constraints and enhance network reliability.

In collaboration with Zenobe and Eku and Field, Kona Energy has also developed a proposal for the ESO’s Constraints Collaboration Project, showcasing how battery storage can significantly cut public costs related to energy constraints.

Kona Energy, with guidance from Opus Corporate Finance, is seeking investment to advance the Smeaton BESS project to operational status.

Kona Energy founder Andy Willis stated: “This is fantastic news, adding to Kona’s growing portfolio of work. This project represents a significant step forward in decarbonising the UK’s electricity grid while providing tangible and real benefits in terms of cost reduction and energy security.

“We are eager to collaborate with investors and partners to deliver this project on a rapid timescale. Tackling constraint costs is vital in not only bringing down consumer bills and preventing the costly waste of clean generation, but also for retaining public trust in reaching net zero.”

In May 2022, Kona Energy secured planning approval for its 200MW battery storage facility in Heysham, England.