Battery energy storage projects in strategic UK grid locations
ESB Scotland develops large-scale battery energy storage projects that support grid flexibility, renewable generation, and the UK’s transition to net zero.
Introduction
ESB (Scotland) Ltd is a renewable energy development company focused on large-scale battery energy storage systems. The company is led by Langholm-based renewable energy pioneer Neil Ewart and his son James Ewart. Neil financed and delivered the first privately owned wind farm in Southern Scotland and advises landowners, businesses, and developers on renewable energy opportunities across the UK.
High Netherfauld 1 BESS - 502MW battery energy storage project near Coalburn North Substation
High Netherfauld Farm BESS - 500MW battery energy storage project near Coalburn North Substation
Harker Moss BESS - 360MW battery energy storage project approved by Cumberland Council
ESB Scotland - letters of intent signed with AESI for 1.5GW of BESS projects
Strategic Locations
ESB Scotland’s battery energy storage projects are located close to strategically important grid infrastructure, including Coalburn in the South of Scotland and Harker in the North of England.
These locations sit within important transmission constraint areas, where battery storage can help reduce renewable curtailment, support grid stability, and improve the use of clean electricity already being generated across the system.
High Netherfauld 1 BESS
A 502MW battery energy storage project located close to Coalburn North Substation. The project has been designed with flexibility, allowing it to operate as a single 502MW facility or as two separate 252MW sites.
High Netherfauld Farm BESS
A 500MW battery energy storage project located close to Coalburn North Substation. The project has been designed with flexibility, allowing it to operate as a single 500MW facility.
Harker Moss BESS
A 360MW battery energy storage project near Harker Substation. The project has received planning approval from Cumberland Council and includes proposals for peatland restoration, biodiversity improvement, and community benefit.
Why Battery Storage Matters
Battery energy storage helps balance the electricity system by storing electricity when generation is high and releasing it when demand increases. This supports renewable generation, reduces wasted clean power and helps strengthen the electricity network.
B4 and B6 Scottish Transmission Boundry Critical Bottlenecks
Boundry B4 – SSEN Transmission to SP Transmission boundary (shared by SSEN Transmission and SP)
Boundary B6 – SP Transmission to NGET
Transmission constraint costs in Great Britain hit £1.9 billion in 2024/25. In 2025, turning down Scottish wind cost around £350 million. Replacement generation (mostly in the form of gas) cost over £1 billion.*
*Modo Energy
Why Are Wind Farms in Scotland Getting Paid to Turn Off?
This is the story of grid constraints. What they are, why they happen, and why solving them is one of the most urgent challenges on the path to clean power.
News
ESB Scotland signs letters of intent for 1.5GW of BESS units
ESB Scotland has signed letters of intent with American Energy Storage Innovations for battery energy storage projects currently in development. This supports ESB Scotland’s position as a developer of strategically located large-scale BESS projects.
Read the full story at the Solar Power Portal website.