RES takes charge of major European battery project

Glasgow, 17 July 2025 – RES, the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, has signed an agreement to manage what will become one of Europe’s largest battery energy storage systems (BESS), at a former coal mining site in South Lanarkshire, Scotland.

The 500MW/1GWh Coalburn battery storage facility is being developed by energy investment company Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), helping balance the grid when demand is high or renewable output is low.

RES will be responsible for the site’s asset management, ensuring the site runs efficiently and delivers long-term value for its owners.

Coalburn is being developed by CIP and Alcemi and is being built in two phases. The first phase began construction in late 2023 with Coalburn 1 expected to come online later this year. A second 500MW site, Coalburn 2, is expected to follow by 2027. Both are part of a wider pipeline of battery projects across the UK being led by CIP.

Ian Hunter, global head of asset management at RES, said: “Coalburn is a significant step forward for grid-scale storage in the UK and we’re proud to be supporting its long-term operation. As electricity demand increases and renewable generation continues to grow from wind and solar, battery projects are essential to balance the system and maximise the value of the clean energy. We look forward to a successful long-term partnership with CIP as we help strengthen the UK’s energy infrastructure.”

In addition to its 1.5GW of BESS sites currently under construction in Scotland, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners is developing a further 4.3 GW pipeline of BESS projects across the UK and is currently the UK’s largest investor in BESS.

Malcom Paterson, CIP’s Commercial Director, said: “CIP’s latest investments in Scottish battery energy storage will increase our BESS portfolio in the UK to a capacity of 1.5GW.  This supports the UK’s pursuit of a clean power system by 2030 and the goal of delivering a net zero carbon economy by 2050.  We welcome the partnership with RES in operating our Coalburn BESS sites which stand to enhance energy security and provide the grid with much-needed flexibility.  In turn, this enables the deployment of additional low-cost, clean, green renewable energy even quicker.”

The Coalburn facility is one of the largest BESS projects in RES’ global services portfolio, which currently spans more than 43GW of wind, solar, storage and green hydrogen across 1,300 sites worldwide. RES operates 24/7 control centres globally which monitor assets in real time, including a global control centre in its nearby Glasgow office.

RES says large-scale storage like Coalburn is essential for a reliable and secure electricity system, especially as more of the UK’s power comes from variable sources such as wind and solar. The company has previously called for faster grid upgrades and a planning system that can keep pace with the rapid rollout of clean energy infrastructure.

ENDS

Notes for editors

About RES

RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company, working across 24 countries and active in wind, solar, energy storage, green hydrogen, transmission, and distribution.  An industry innovator for over 40 years, RES has delivered more than 28GW of renewable energy projects across the globe and plans to bring more than 26GW of new capacity online in the next five years. 

As a service provider, RES has the skills and experience in asset management, operations and maintenance (O&M), and spare parts – supporting 43GW of renewable assets across 1,300 sites.  RES brings to the market a range of purposeful, practical technology-based products and digital solutions designed to maximise investment and deployment of renewable energy. 

RES is the power behind a clean energy future where everyone has access to affordable zero carbon energy bringing together global experience, passion, and the innovation of its 4,500 people to transform the way energy is generated, stored and supplied. Visit: www.res-group.com

CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Rory Brown

RES Press Office

[email protected]