Renewable energy storage provider Apatura has received planning permission from the Scottish government’s Energy Consents Unit and North Ayrshire Council for a new 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS) near Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, Scotland.
This is a step forward in the UK’s efforts to enhance energy resilience and transition to renewable power sources.
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Located half a kilometre north-east of Kilwinning, the project will occupy eight acres of land east of Old Glasgow Road. The Kilwinning BESS is part of a growing cluster of similar developments in the region, contributing to the nation’s sustainable energy infrastructure.
The approval marks Apatura’s tenth successful BESS planning consent since January 2024, expanding its total consented BESS portfolio to more than 1.6GW.
The Scottish government’s Energy Consents Unit stated in the letter granting consent that: “Scottish Ministers consider the proposed development will support the resilience of the electricity network through the electricity it generates and the additional technical services it can provide to the electricity system operator… once operational, the project will provide essential flexibility to the grid, storing excess renewable energy for use when it’s needed most.”
The construction and operation of the Kilwinning BESS will create direct employment opportunities, as well as indirect jobs within the supply chain and related services.
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By GlobalDataThe BESS will play a crucial role in achieving the Scottish government’s objective of sourcing 50% of Scotland’s overall energy consumption from renewables and establishing a net-zero energy system by 2045.
Apatura chief development officer Andrew Philpott stated: “BESS sites like the Kilwinning development are integral for enabling Scotland and the UK to achieve their net-zero targets.
“Not only does battery storage help manage our renewable energy supply and demand, it also helps bolster the stability of our national grid and boost local economies as well.”
In February 2025, Apatura received planning permission for a 400MW BESS near Stirling, Scotland.
