A £130 million proposal to build a 200-megawatt battery storage facility in West Lothian has been granted approval by the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (ECU). The development, planned for the Pond Industrial Estate near Bathgate, is set to play a key role in the UK’s transition to renewable energy.
With the capacity to power up to 600,000 homes during peak demand, the facility is expected to provide vital support to the national grid. The approval marks a significant milestone in OnPath Energy’s efforts to enhance the UK’s renewable energy infrastructure.
The proposed battery storage site will store renewable energy when demand is low and release it during peak usage, ensuring a more stable and sustainable energy supply. Once operational, the facility will help address the increasing need for flexible energy storage solutions as the country moves towards decarbonisation.
A Boost to Local Jobs and the Economy
According to OnPath Energy, the project will support around 80 jobs during its construction phase, significantly benefiting the local economy.
These roles are expected to generate over £1.6 million for local workers, contributing to the area’s economic development. Once completed, the facility will also provide over £1 million in community benefits over its operational lifespan.
Michael Newton, sustainability developer at OnPath Energy, expressed the company’s commitment to supporting local communities. “During construction, the project will support local employment and pump money into the local economy.
“We’re incredibly pleased that we are now at the stage where the site has been consented and we can look ahead to the construction phase of the project.” Newton said. The company’s emphasis on community engagement highlights the social responsibility that underpins the renewable energy sector’s growth.
Strengthening the UK’s Renewable Energy Network
The 200-megawatt storage capacity of the facility will have a crucial role in stabilising the national grid. With the ability to store energy when demand is low and release it during peak times, the project will provide much-needed backup power, improving grid reliability.
The initiative is part of OnPath Energy’s broader commitment to renewable energy development. The company has already secured planning permissions for 16 wind farms across the UK, with several projects already operational in Scotland.
Battery storage solutions like the one proposed for West Lothian are becoming increasingly essential in the UK’s pursuit of net-zero emissions.
By enabling the storage of excess renewable energy, these facilities help smooth out the intermittent nature of solar and wind power. The approval of the Pond Industrial Estate project marks an important step in the UK’s shift towards a more sustainable and reliable energy future.
