Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has announced the start of construction on two large-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Scotland, set to become the largest of their kind in Europe. The projects, Coalburn 2 and Devilla, are being developed through CIP’s flagship CI IV fund, marking a significant step in the firm’s expansion as the UK’s largest battery storage investor.
The two projects, located in South Lanarkshire (Coalburn 2) and Fife (Devilla), represent a combined investment of approximately £800 million. When completed, these systems will contribute to a total storage capacity of 1.5GW, with the ability to store and deliver up to 3GWh of electricity to the grid. This capacity will be enough to power over 4.5 million households for two hours, helping to stabilize the grid and improve energy security.
CIP’s investment portfolio now includes three major battery storage projects: Coalburn 1, Coalburn 2, and Devilla. Nischal Agarwal, partner at CIP, emphasized that strategically located storage systems, like those at Coalburn and Devilla, enhance grid flexibility and accelerate the deployment of low-cost renewable energy.
As energy storage technologies continue to advance, they are playing an increasingly critical role in supporting the global transition to clean energy. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), battery storage can alleviate grid congestion by capturing excess renewable energy during periods of high supply, which would otherwise be wasted. In 2023, the demand for battery storage outpaced most other clean energy technologies, driven by falling costs and supportive policies. However, the IEA has stressed that a significant increase in global energy storage capacity will be necessary to meet climate targets by 2030.
CIP, which manages 12 funds and has raised approximately €31 billion from over 180 institutional investors, continues to lead the charge in scaling energy storage solutions and advancing energy infrastructure in Europe.
References:
- Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP)
- International Energy Agency (IEA)
