Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 3, Kona Energy has successfully secured a £40m capacity market contract for their Smeaton battery energy storage system, a key step in Scotland's renewable energy future. This project, located in East Lothian, is supported by Grid Connection Reform and Clean Power 2030, ensuring long-term viability and grid connection certainty. The contract was won in the T-4 auction, a government scheme designed to guarantee electricity during peak demand periods.
Detailed design work is underway in collaboration with Scottish Power Transmission and key supply chain partners.
The system, with a capacity of 228MW and 456 MWh, will store excess renewable energy, particularly as the Torness nuclear power station is set to close before 2030, creating significant grid constraints. This initiative aims to alleviate transmission bottlenecks and lower constraint costs, aligning with the UK's net zero transition goals.
Kona Energy founder Andy Willis emphasized the project's significance, stating, "Securing this £40m contract is a defining moment for Kona Energy and the Smeaton project. It reflects the project's quality and national importance, offering an attractive revenue stream and investor confidence through de-risked grid connection."
With investment discussions ongoing and detailed design work underway, Kona Energy is poised to achieve ambitious goals. They are collaborating with Scottish Power Transmission and key partners to maximize the project's potential. As they move forward, Kona Energy is open to further strategic partnerships to realize this ambitious plan, contributing to Scotland's renewable energy future and supporting the UK's net zero transition.
