Aggreko, in partnership with H&MV Engineering, has successfully commissioned a site in Coalburn, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. This facility, part of the UK’s national network, is designed to balance the electricity grid by storing and discharging excess renewable energy.
Aggreko’s advanced load bank package enabled precise simulation of electrical loads, ensuring the system was tested under real-world operational conditions for optimal performance and reliability.
A Stage V generator power package, fueled by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuel, provided uninterrupted power supply and load management throughout the commissioning phase. This integrated solution ensured the BESS site met all performance and safety standards, facilitating a smooth transition to full operation with minimal risk and downtime.
The tailored solution included a 5 MW load bank and 5 MW generator package at 33 kV, alongside a 150 kVA LV generator, HV/LV cabling, and ancillary equipment. All systems were installed, commissioned, and supported by Aggreko’s on-site engineering team.
Hugh Prentice, Senior Project Manager at H&MV Engineering, stated, “Aggreko’s support was critical to the successful commissioning of the BESS site at Coalburn 1. The solution’s ability to simulate electrical loads and provide an uninterrupted power supply gave us the confidence that the system would perform reliably once live.
“Aggreko’s tailored approach and willingness to collaborate closely with our team over an 18-month period made them the ideal choice for this project. This helped deliver an end product that was both cost-effective and optimized for various unique challenges.”
The site’s compact laydown area restricted equipment installation and movement. With commissioning activities spread across multiple battery blocks, Aggreko provided full transport logistics to ensure equipment could be repositioned efficiently without disrupting timelines.
Additionally, a dedicated on-site engineer oversaw operations, monitored equipment performance, and responded to any technical issues in real time.
Craig Fleming, Utilities Sector Sales Manager at Aggreko, said, “This is a prime example of how Aggreko’s expertise in delivering large-scale, complex HV power solutions can make a real difference. Our focus on safety, reliability, efficiency, and environmental responsibility was central to its success.
“Our role in bringing one of Europe’s most exciting grid-balancing projects to life is something I’m incredibly proud of. Supporting the energy transition is at the heart of what we do, and Coalburn is a major step forward in that journey.”
The Stage V generators operated on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), supporting the site’s sustainability goals and reducing emissions throughout the commissioning phase.
The one-gigawatt Coalburn facility, developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), is expected to reach full capacity in 2026. Once operational, it will supply electricity to the equivalent of 184,000 homes annually and offset 103,000 tons of CO₂, making a significant contribution to the UK’s net zero ambitions.
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