Businesses across the Lothians are being actively encouraged to register their interest in the commercial opportunities that will arise should plans for a battery energy storage system (BESS), located between Bathgate and Armadale in West Lothian, be approved.

Renewable energy developer Galileo has started to receive expressions of interest, and are keen that the process is formalised, yet made as straightforward as possible for local potential suppliers and contractors.

The proposed battery storage facility, with a capacity of up to 50MW, is located on land adjacent to the A801, northwest of Bathgate Substation. BESS is an advanced technology, which supports the transition away from polluting fossil fuels to clean green renewable electricity, the generation of which is intermittent in nature.

This facility will store surplus electricity in rechargeable batteries when consumer demand is low and release it back into the electricity grid when demand is high, helping balance the network and make the most of renewable energy in the drive to net zero.

Through delivering greater energy security, and reducing reliance on volatile imported fossil fuels, this will further benefit consumers by facilitating the supply of homegrown and more affordable zero-carbon electricity.

Galileo is committed to ensuring that, wherever reasonably possible, local suppliers and contractors are used in all aspects of the construction and operation of the battery storage facility.

These benefits are in addition to a community benefit fund, amounting to around £400,000 over the project’s estimated 40-year lifetime for the local communities of Bathgate and Armadale.

It is envisaged that this will focus on two key priorities – health/physical activity and training/education. Individuals, local community groups and charities are being encouraged to provide feedback so an understanding of what this funding could be used for can be gained.

The team behind the proposals, led by Galileo’s senior project manager Laura Petrie, are keen that local and regional businesses big and small are in touch with the project team directly and kept up to date with commercial opportunities as they emerge.

The supplier registration portal is now open at www.middleriggbess.co.uk.

It is anticipated that an application for planning permission will be submitted to West Lothian Council in late 2024.

Speaking after the launching the portal, Laura said: “Through our continuing engagement with local communities on this project, we have made it clear that we are keen to ensure that we use local businesses and contractors in all aspects of our battery energy storage development where possible. Hence the opening of this portal to ensure that they can benefit.

“Renewables are intermittent sources of energy, only generating electricity when the sun is shining and the wind blowing. It is therefore increasingly important that we develop battery storage facilities to store energy, supporting the balancing of the electricity grid and preventing blackouts.

“Renewable energy developments such as this have the potential to deliver considerable investment, creating local jobs, boosting the skills of our current and future workforce and deliver sustainable economic growth.

“It should be highlighted that we are also offering a community benefit fund of around £400,000, to be used by local communities, and are keen to get a greater understanding of what this could be used for.”

Paul Hunter, chief executive of West Lothian Chamber of Commerce, said: “We are incredibly supportive of the opening of the portal, which will allow local businesses the opportunity to register interest and ensure they don’t miss out on any opportunities.

“Renewable energy developments such as this have the potential to deliver considerable investment, creating local jobs, boosting the skills of our current and future workforce and deliver sustainable economic growth.

“We are pleased to note Galileo’s commitment to prioritising the use of local suppliers and contractors in all aspects of the battery storage development. If the development is approved, we look forward to continuing to work with the company to maximise the opportunities available in the local supply chain.”