Balance Power announces planning approval for its 29.9 MW battery storage project in Coylton, East Ayrshire. The project will store renewable energy during peak generation and supply it back to the grid when demand is high, helping to power approximately 16,200 homes. Battery storage projects are vital as the UK progresses towards net zero, stabilizing the grid while allowing for further renewable energy input.
The Coylton project is comprised of 18 battery units and spans 2.67 hectares. By allowing more clean energy to be integrated into the grid, it will help reduce CO2 emissions by about 11,050 tons annually, equivalent to taking around 7,900 cars off the road or planting 17,700 trees.
As part of its commitment to delivering wide-ranging, meaningful benefits to the local community, Balance Power has agreed to provide a community benefit to Ochiltree Community Council. This consisted of providing funding to install rooftop solar panels at the Ochiltree Community Hub. This will provide a cleaner, cheaper, and more secure power supply to support the center’s valuable work in the area.
Approval for the Coylton battery storage project was achieved from East Ayrshire Council following an extensive community consultation process. Collaborating with the community, town council, and local district councillors, Balance Power listened to concerns and incorporated feedback to ensure that the project will meet community needs across its lifecycle.
The storage facility is expected to be operational by summer next year. After its lifecycle, the project will be decommissioned, and the site will be returned to its former use and condition.
“We are proud to have secured unanimous approval for this project from East Ayrshire Council and are grateful for the support we’ve received from the local community throughout the process. As well as advancing local and national net zero goals, this battery storage site is set to make a positive impact on Coylton and the surrounding area, creating local construction and operation jobs and bolstering its energy security and reliability.”
“We’re especially pleased to be supporting the Ochiltree Community Hub as part of our work in the area—it’s a targeted but impactful way that we can contribute to the incredible work being done there.”
– Oliver Pettersen, Connections Manager at Balance Power.
Since 2017, Balance Power has been pioneering decentralized energy projects across the UK, collaborating with landowners, communities, and councils to support grid stability and achieve national decarbonization targets. It has successfully advanced 36 energy projects to planning consent, with over 2 GW of projects in development. Balance Power continues to lead the transformation of the UK’s energy landscape.
