Renewable energy developer Elmya has commenced construction on a 30MWp solar PV power plant incorporating a 20MW/40MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Kinglassie, Scotland.
Located in Fifa, the Kinglassie site will combine solar generation with battery storage technology to provide grid stability services and optimise energy dispatch during peak demand periods.
Elmya confirmed that it is set to be the first project developed by Elmya Energy and constructed by Elmya EPC in the UK.
The project scope includes the execution of ‘Lite’ engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) on the solar PV side, the BESS balance of system (BOS), and interconnection works as an accredited Independent Connection Provider (ICP).
In this context, Elmya will be responsible for the interconnection between the customer substation and the Distribution Network Operator (DNO) switching station, as well as for constructing the substation building, including civil works and the installation of non-primary equipment.
These works will be carried out in close coordination with the DNO Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN), ensuring strict compliance with its technical specifications and relevant regulatory requirements.
Elmya’s Scottish development follows the company’s broader international expansion plans. The developer recently announced a partnership with Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure to develop 4GW of utility-scale projects in the US.
The Kinglassie project adds to Scotland’s expanding solar capacity as the country pursues ambitious renewable energy targets. Scottish solar developments have gained momentum despite historical concerns about solar irradiation levels, with improved technology efficiency and falling costs making projects increasingly viable across the region.
Construction timelines for the Kinglassie project have not been disclosed, though typical utility-scale solar-plus-storage developments require 12-18 months from breaking ground to commercial operation.
As reported by Solar Power Portal over the years, co-located solar and battery storage systems can deliver operational and economic advantages, making them increasingly attractive for utility-scale renewable energy development.
The integrated approach enables developers to maximise land-use efficiency by combining generation and storage infrastructure on a single site, thereby reducing the overall project footprint and development costs.
Battery storage enables solar facilities to capture excess generation during peak production hours and dispatch power during periods of high demand or low solar irradiance, effectively extending the facility’s operational window beyond daylight hours.
This capability enhances grid stability by providing essential services such as frequency regulation, voltage support, and ramping assistance that help manage the intermittent nature of solar generation.
From a commercial perspective, co-located systems can access multiple revenue streams, including energy arbitrage, capacity payments, and ancillary services markets, while also reducing transmission losses and grid connection costs compared to separate facilities.
The combination also provides greater energy security and grid resilience, particularly valuable during peak demand periods or grid disturbances, while supporting higher renewable energy penetration rates across electricity networks.
