CIP recently finalized investment decisions for the Coalburn 2 and Devilla battery projects, located in South Lanarkshire and elsewhere in Scotland. This new deal expands an existing partnership, as SSE Energy Markets already optimizes Coalburn 1, a 500-megawatt (MW) facility in the same region. With this agreement, SSE will oversee a total of 1.5 GW of battery storage capacity for CIP.
Under the terms, SSE Energy Markets will handle all optimization and market access services for the two sites, utilizing its Enhance trading platform. This platform enables the assets to participate in various grid flexibility and wholesale energy markets, ensuring efficient operation. Additionally, the agreement guarantees CIP a minimum income level through a “floor price” mechanism, providing financial stability over the 10-year period.
This collaboration builds on a history of joint efforts between SSE and CIP. The two organizations are also partners in the Ossian project, a large-scale floating offshore wind initiative off Scotland’s coast, developed alongside Marubeni Corporation.
Gordon Bell, managing director of SSE Energy Markets, highlighted the partnership’s value: “SSE has built a strong and enduring relationship with CIP which continues to generate significant value. This latest collaboration means our trading centre of excellence will be responsible for optimising a combined 1.5GW of battery capacity on behalf of CIP, ensuring our expertise can maximise the role these assets will play in supporting the system.”
Malcolm Paterson, commercial director for battery energy storage systems at CIP, emphasized the projects’ broader impact: “CIP’s latest investments in Scottish battery energy storage will increase our BESS portfolio in the UK to a capacity of 1.5GW. These two new projects will extend our existing relationship with SSE on Coalburn 1, enhancing energy security and providing the grid with much-needed flexibility.”
The Coalburn 2 and Devilla projects are expected to contribute to the UK’s goals of achieving a clean power system by 2030 and a net-zero carbon economy by 2050. By enhancing grid stability and flexibility, these battery systems will facilitate the integration of additional renewable energy sources, supporting Scotland’s transition to sustainable energy.
