SUSI-Eelpower, a joint venture between SUSI Partners and Eelpower, selected EDF as a trading and optimisation partner for the 50MW battery. EDF will provide market access and optimise operations via its trading platform across all available revenue streams including balancing mechanism, trading, and ancillary services.

The Dunsinane battery energy storage site will play an important role in decarbonising energy by providing balancing services to the National Grid which will allow the integration of greater levels of renewable generation.

Scotland is home to 60% of the UK’s offshore wind capacity which creates a challenge for National Grid given the intermittent nature of this resource. Large-scale battery energy storage sites such as Dunsinane allow the wind energy to be stored and used in times of peak demand for the benefit of Scottish homes and businesses.

Scotland’s ambitious climate change legislation requires the country to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. It is forecast that offshore wind deployed in Scottish waters will rise tenfold, from 1GW today to 11GW by 2030. The first standalone distribution connected battery energy storage asset therefore represents a significant building block of national energy infrastructure and a major milestone for Scotland’s renewable energy journey.

Mark Simon, CEO of Eelpower, said: “Dunsinane is the first of a series of large battery assets which will transform the ability of the grid to balance the rapid growth in intermittent renewable generation and help manage constraints at this critical part of Great Britain. With EDF’s support, Dunsinane will deliver on the promise that flexible battery assets represent for Scotland.”

Stuart Fenner, head of energy trading services at EDF, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with SUSI-Eelpower ensuring they have a route to market for the first Scottish distribution connected battery. Battery storage plays a huge part in the road to net zero and helping to decarbonise our energy system and this is a major milestone for Scotland, as well as easing pressure on the National Grid.”