Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its flagship fund CI IV, has reached a Financial Investment Decision (FID) and issued Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the construction of two Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects in Scotland.
Located in South Lanarkshire and Fife, the Coalburn 2 and Devilla projects each boast a capacity of 500MW. Once operational, they will become the largest battery storage facilities in Europe, underscoring Scotland’s role as a hub for renewable energy innovation.
Expanding BESS Capacity in the UK
These projects represent a combined investment of approximately £800 million, expanding CIP’s UK BESS portfolio from one project to three. This positions CIP as the largest investor in battery storage systems in the United Kingdom.
Together, the Coalburn 1, Coalburn 2, and Devilla projects will provide 1.5GW of power capacity and store up to 3GWh of electricity, sufficient to meet the energy needs of over 4.5 million households for two hours.
To commemorate the start of construction at Coalburn 2, Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and Gillian Martin, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy, visited the site. During their tour, they discussed the project’s contribution to Scotland’s energy transition and CIP’s plans for further investments in the region.
Nischal Agarwal, Partner at CIP, remarked:
“CIP’s latest investments in Scottish battery energy storage will support the UK’s pursuit of a clean power system by 2030 and delivering a net zero carbon economy by 2050. Battery storage, which is well located, like our Coalburn and Devilla projects, enhances energy security, provides the grid with much needed flexibility and enables low-cost renewables to be deployed faster.
The BESS and Balance of Plant Contracts
The construction of Coalburn 2 and Devilla involves contributions from renowned engineering firms. H&MV Engineering and the OCU Group will handle Balance of Plant and electrical engineering services, while Wood Group will provide construction management for both sites.
The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) supplier is e-STORAGE, part of Canadian Solar group., and it will deliver 2 GWh DC of BESS capacity for two projects in Scotland:
- the 1 GWh DC Coalburn 2 Project in South Lanarkshire, and
- the 1 GWh DC Devilla Project in Fife.
The e-STORAGE team will integrate approximately 450 SolBank 3.0 battery containers and provide long-term performance and operational support under a service agreement. Both projects feature two-hour energy dispatch capabilities and are slated to begin construction in 2027.
| Aspect | Details |
| Projects | Coalburn 2 (South Lanarkshire), Devilla (Fife) |
| BESS Supplier | e-STORAGE (part of Canadian Solar) |
| BESS Capacity | 2 GWh DC (1 GWh DC per project) |
| Battery Containers | 450 SolBank 3.0 battery containers |
| Construction Start | 2027 |
| Balance of Plant & Electrical Services | H&MV Engineering, OCU Group |
| Construction Management | Wood Group |
| Energy Dispatch Capability | Two-hour energy dispatch |
Endorsements from Scotland's leadership
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney emphasized the importance of the investment:
“The construction of the two largest battery systems in Europe, in South Lanarkshire and Fife, delivered by international investment, is to be welcomed as a significant contribution to the growth of Scotland’s energy transition infrastructure. By helping to supply reliable and secure power to our homes and businesses, well-located storage systems, such as batteries and pumped hydro storage, can move us closer to net zero and directly support the communities around them. Scotland is open for business when it comes to new investments in the technologies and systems that will play a role in our just energy transition.”
UK Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson also highlighted the impact of the projects:
“This £800 million commitment is a major vote of confidence in the UK’s investment environment and supports our mission to become a clean energy superpower. With energy being identified as a growth sector in our upcoming Industrial Strategy, we’re not only helping to attract and secure investment, but providing affordable, reliable renewable energy for people across the country.”
