Renewable energy developer Elmya has started construction of a 30MWp solar PV power plant with a 20MW/40MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Kinglassie, Scotland.
The Kinglassie site, located in FIFA, will combine solar power generation with battery storage technology to provide network stability services and optimize energy distribution during peak periods.
Elmya confirmed that this will be the first project developed by Elmya Energy and built 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’s substation and the Distribution Network Operator’s (DNO) switching station, as well as for the construction of the substation building, including civil works and the installation of non-primary equipment.
This work will be carried out in close coordination with the DNO Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN), ensuring strict compliance with the technical specifications and relevant regulatory requirements.
Elmya’s Scottish development follows the company’s wider international expansion plans. The developer recently announced a partnership with Atlantica Sustainable Infrastructure Developing 4GW of utility-scale projects in the US.
The Kinglassie project adds to Scotland’s growing solar capacity as the country pursues ambitious renewable energy targets. Solar energy developments in Scotland have accelerated despite historic concerns about solar radiation levels, with improving technology efficiency and falling costs making projects increasingly viable across the region.
Construction timelines for the Kinglassie project have not been disclosed, although typical utility-scale solar-plus-storage developments take 12 to 18 months to get from the ground to commercial operation.
As reported by Solar energy portal over the years, superimposed solar and battery storage systems can deliver operational and economic benefits, making them increasingly attractive for utility-scale renewable energy development.
The integrated approach allows developers to maximize land use efficiency by combining generation and storage infrastructure in one location, reducing overall project footprint and development costs.
Battery storage allows solar facilities to capture excess generation during peak production hours and dispatch power during periods of high demand or low solar radiation, effectively extending the facility’s operational period beyond daylight hours.
This capability improves the stability of the electric grid by providing essential services such as frequency regulation, voltage support and boosting assistance, which help manage the intermittent nature of solar energy generation.
From a commercial perspective, co-located systems have access to 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, which is especially valuable during peak demand periods or grid disruptions, while supporting higher renewable energy penetration into electricity grids.
