Scotland’s Jamesfield battery energy storage system goes live

Global clean energy enterprise TagEnergy and renewable energy infrastructure developer Harmony Energy’s Jamesfield battery energy storage system (BESS) has gone live.

The 49MW/98MWh standalone project near Abernethy, Scotland, progressively came online from November 2023 as site sections were finalised, and was fully energised when construction was completed in early February 2024.

The Jamesfield battery system utilises 2-hour duration Tesla Megapack lithium-ion batteries, together with Tesla’s Autobidder AI software for real-time trading and control. Independent renewable energy company RES is the asset manager.

TagEnergy Chief Executive Officer Franck Woitiez said in a release that energisation of TagEnergy’s third battery energy storage facility in the UK was a testament to the momentum it has built in the UK as it speeds up the energy transition:

“This is another important marker for TagEnergy in the UK and beyond as we leverage our substantial storage expertise to help stabilise the grid and make a meaningful difference to the planet by relentlessly pursuing a renewables-led energy future.

“Our three completed projects, together with the more than 200MW of BESS under construction in the UK, is testament both to our commitment and the success of our approach.”

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The Jamesfield development became a joint venture with Harmony Energy, following TagEnergy’s acquisition of a 60% stake in the project in November 2021. Santander UK supported the green energy initiative with £12.5 million ($15.9 million) funding.

It was TagEnergy’s third investment in battery storage facilities in the UK to become operational, after Hawkers Hill Energy Park and Chapel Farm.

Those projects, together with other storage projects under construction, take TagEnergy’s secured portfolio in the UK to 320MW/640MWh.

Harmony Energy chief executive officer Peter Kavanagh added: “The completion of the Jamesfield BESS is another significant milestone for our valued partnership with TagEnergy, following the success of our other joint venture site, Chapel Farm.

“Battery energy storage systems are vital for unlocking the full potential of renewable energy in the UK. They play a pivotal role in advancing the Net Zero transition through the reduction of CO2 emissions and are crucial for securing the future stability of the UK’s energy supply and reducing dependence on foreign gas imports.”