Welcome to the

Coatbridge Battery Energy Storage System

Consultation Hub

CONSULTATION

This page has been created to present the proposed installation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on land off Locks Street, Coatbridge, ML5 3RT.

The project has evolved through site surveys and assessments over recent months. Noise, hydrology and cultural heritage studies have been completed, with further assessments of ecology and landscape currently being carried out. The application is progressing through the stages of the planning process, however, the vision for this development has been in the works for a long time. As the energy supply in the UK begins to rely more on renewable energy technologies (i.e. wind and solar), the need for reliable BESS facilities is greater than ever. These systems are crucial for balancing supply and demand, ensuring a stable and resilient energy grid.

Cogeo’s aim for this page is to set out the principles of the development sought and the drive behind the project.

If you have any queries or wish to make a comment on this proposal, please use the dedicated enquiry form available below.

System Size/Capacity

45 MW

Location

Coatbridge

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

APPLICANT DETAILS

Cogeo Planning & Environmental Services Ltd. is working on behalf of Bluestone Energy Ltd. to compile the planning and environmental assessments required to seek planning permission from the Local Planning Authority, North Lanarkshire Council.

Founded in 2018, Bluestone Energy Ltd. is one of the UK leaders in developing renewable technologies, leading the battery storage market and offering professional services within the High Voltage (HV) and Extra High Voltage (EHV) electrical distribution industry. The company has built a notable pipeline of over 30 GW in the UK of solar, BESS, and onshore wind infrastructure, including customers such as local authorities, water companies, utilities and large corporate businesses.

Bluestone Energy Ltd. aims to create a sustainable future via smart green solutions by minimising the current dependency on fossil fuels, driving down the escalating energy costs and reducing harmful carbon emissions in support of Net Zero. The company have set a target of delivering 15 GW of renewable energy by 2035 (almost 25% of the UK's ambition).

Interactive Map

An interactive map viewable through the below link highlights the location of the site and proposed components, including the anticipated access route to the site.

View Map

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

The proposal seeks approval from North Lanarkshire Council for the installation of Battery Storage and ancillary infrastructure, with a generating capacity of up to 45 MW. The BESS is proposed to store energy at times when supply is higher than demand and then later release energy when required.

Site Consultation Board Downloads (Event 1)

Board 1 - Project Introduction	View Consultation Board 1
Board 2 - Site Details	View Consultation Board 2
Board 3 - Site Location Plan	View Consultation Board 3
Board 4 - Site Plan	View Consultation Board 4
Board 5 - BESS Elevation and Model	View Consultation Board 5
Board 6 - Residential Amenity	View Consultation Board 6
Board 7 - Fire Safety	View Consultation Board 7
Board 8 - Next Steps	View Consultation Board 8

Site Consultation Board Downloads (Event 2)

Board 1 - Project Introduction	View Consultation Board 1
Board 2 - Site Details	View Consultation Board 2
Board 3 - Site Location Plan	View Consultation Board 3
Board 4 - Site Plan	View Consultation Board 4
Board 5 - BESS Elevation and Model	View Consultation Board 5
Board 6 - Residential Amenity	View Consultation Board 6
Board 7 - Fire Safety	View Consultation Board 7
Board 8 - Next Steps	View Consultation Board 8

Proposed Installation

Technology is rapidly evolving for BESS and therefore there is an element of uncertainty in terms of the exact components which will be installed. However, indicatively, the development will comprise:

22 Battery storage units coupled with MV station and associated electrical infrastructure (including inverters, transformers and generators)
Control room
Onsite access track and parking area
Fire Hydrants and a Static Water Tank
CCTV and perimeter fencing
Substation
Temporary construction compound (TCC)
Cable route
Landscape planting.

The BESS aspect of the development comprises shipping container-like modules with batteries, air conditioning units, and inverter units. The dimensions of all proposed onsite components will be submitted as part of the planning application to North Lanarkshire Council.

Existing access off Locks Street will be utilised, and a private access road is proposed to the development site. CCTV and fencing will be erected around the perimeter of the development to safeguard the electrical equipment installed.

North Lanarkshire Council has recognised the climate emergency, and consequently has set ambitious targets to transition to a low-carbon economy and society. Additionally, there are national targets of greenhouse gas emission reductions to net zero by 2045, with interim targets of 75% reduction by 2030 and 90% reduction by 2040.

Residential Amenity

From the beginning of the project, we’ve made residential amenity a priority. A background noise assessment has been completed to ensure compliance with industry standards and to give residents peace of mind. Alongside this, a landscape and visual appraisal will assess any visual changes to residents and ensure appropriate mitigation is put in place.

Additionally, the site has been designed to address industry standards and good practice for health and safety requirements. Fire safety measures include a fire hydrant and static water tank onsite, as well as monitoring systems to shut down the system when required.

What Stage are we at with the Planning Process?

Given the scale of development, a Screening Opinion Request was submitted to North Lanarkshire Council (22/01267/EIASCR). The screening opinion has stated that no Environmental Impact Assessment is required for this development. A planning application will therefore be submitted to North Lanarkshire Council seeking planning permission.

Cogeo will endeavour to keep parties up to date on progress and works undertaken along the way.

ENQUIRY FORM

If you’ve any questions or comments to make on this project at this stage, please complete the form below. The Project Team will track these comments throughout, and provide a response where required.

Please note comments are for the design team at this stage and are not representations to the Local Planning Authority (LPA). Opportunity to comment to the LPA directly will occur once the Planning Application has been submitted.

Form Privacy Statement

By completing this form you are agreeing that we can hold and process your personal data in relation to this consultation exercise.

We will only share your personal data with the planning team for planning evaluation purposes only.
Your identifiable, personal data will not be used for any other purposes without your consent.