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49.5 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) development on land west of Laigh Park Wastewater Treatment Works, Paisley, PA3 4DF
This page has been created to present the proposed development of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) development to residents, the local community, and other interested parties. 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.
Although the project is in the early stages of the planning process, it has been under consideration for some time. We are currently engaging with the Local Authority and relevant consultees to ensure a suitably designed and scaled proposal is presented as part of any future Planning Application
The purpose of this page is to outline the key principles of the development and the need for the project. As the UK’s energy supply increasingly relies on renewable sources like wind and solar, BESS developments play a vital role in ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply.
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
49.5 MW
Location
Laigh Park, Paisley
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
PROJECT CONTACTS
Cogeo Planning & Environmental Services is working on behalf of Bluestone Energy Ltd, to complete the planning and environmental assessments required to seek planning permission from the Local Planning Authority, Renfrewshire Council.
Founded in the UK in 2018, Bluestone Energy Ltd. is one of the UK leaders in the development of 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, battery energy storage, and onshore wind infrastructure, with customers ranging between local authorities, water companies, utilities and large corporate businesses.
Bluestone Energy Ltd aim is to create a sustainable future via smart green solutions. Helping reduce the current dependency on fossil fuels, assisting in driving down the escalating energy costs and reducing harmful carbon emissions in support of Net Zero. The company set a target of delivering 15 GW of renewable energy by 2035 (almost 25% of the UK’s ambition).
The ‘Ren Zero’ campaign launched by Renfrewshire Council, wishes to realise the ambition of achieving net zero emissions by 2030, in response to the climate emergency declared by the Local Authority in 2019, as well as the target established by the Scottish Government to have net zero emissions by 2045.
The proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) development west of Laighpark Wastewater Treatment Works supports Renfrewshire Council’s ‘Ren Zero’ campaign, encouraging businesses to take action on climate change and reduce their carbon footprint.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
The proposal seeks permission from Renfrewshire Council for the installation of a BESS and ancillary infrastructure with a capacity of 49.5 MW on land west of Laigh Park Wastewater Treatment Works, Paisley. The BESS installation is proposed on open ground adjacent to the treatment works, with existing access points to be optimised for use during both the construction and operational phases.
The proposed 49.5 MW BESS is designed to store energy during periods when supply exceeds demand and release it back to the grid when needed. As the UK energy system increasingly relies on renewable technologies such as wind and solar power, developments like this BESS are essential to maintaining a stable and consistent energy supply while supporting greater renewable energy generation.
What Stage are we at with the Planning Process?
A Screening Opinion request (ECU00004524) was submitted to the Energy Consents Unit (ECU) in June 2022, when the project was initially intended to be progressed under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989. As part of that process, Renfrewshire Council was consulted as a statutory consultee.
Following a reduction in the project's generating capacity, the development no longer falls under Section 36, and responsibility for determining the planning application has transferred to Renfrewshire Council. In September 2022, the Council confirmed that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is not required under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017.
Following this, Cogeo is working alongside Bluestone Energy Ltd. to compile the necessary documentation for the next stage, the submission of a full planning application seeking permission for the BESS and associated infrastructure.
This event has been organised to present the proposed development and to gather feedback from the local community and interested parties. Cogeo will continue to keep all parties updated on progress and key activities as the project moves forward.
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.