Enhancing Scotland’s Renewable Energy Capacity: The Kilmarnock South Battery Energy Storage System
In a significant stride towards bolstering Scotland’s renewable energy infrastructure, Zenobē is delivering a 300 MW/600 MWh project is underway near Kilmarnock. The George Leslie team, on behalf of Omexom, is leading the development of the Kilmarnock South Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This ambitious initiative comprises several critical stages, including enabling works, earthworks, platform construction, and the installation of a new air-insulated switchgear substation, along with necessary concrete, ducting, earthing, and drainage works.
The enabling works commenced in October 2023 and were successfully completed before Christmas, paving the way for the main construction activities which began in January 2024.
The initial earthworks phase involved clearing vegetation and topsoil, excavating, and reshaping subsoil to create a gentle slope for a level platform to support the batteries. This phase was particularly traffic-intensive due to the substantial earthworks and aggregate delivery required.
Importantly, all surplus soil excavated from the site is being repurposed to create a new habitat area in Midton, reflecting the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The civil engineering phase, which George Leslie started in April 2024 and is anticipated to continue until September 2024, involves the installation of foundations, permanent drainage infrastructure, and cable trenches. Components of the battery energy storage system are being installed on concrete foundations, some of which were cast in-situ and others prefabricated and delivered to the site. During this phase, a comprehensive permanent drainage system is being established, including trenches, pipes, and an attenuation pond to manage surface water runoff.
With the earthworks platform completed and approximately 80% of the concrete works finalised, the Kilmarnock South BESS is on track to deliver crucial services that will enhance the efficiency of Scotland’s electricity network for the next 40 years.
This site is expected to prevent approximately 3.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over its operational life, aligning with Scotland’s renewable energy goals and positioning the nation at the forefront of global renewable energy management.
