The Newarthill project, located near Motherwell, Scotland, is a 300 MW BESS with a planned two-hour duration and the potential to expand to four hours. This transmission-connected asset will play a key role in supporting the UK’s energy transition.
Planning consent for the project was granted on 4 February 2025. A connection is available via an adjacent 275kV substation, with a grid offer secured from NESO as part of the ongoing grid reform process, supporting progression towards delivery. Energisation is currently targeted for October 2029.
The acquisition further strengthens Elements Green’s UK BESS pipeline as demand grows for long-duration, transmission connected storage assets capable of supporting renewable integration and managing increasing network volatility.
The project is positioned within a constrained part of the UK transmission network and is expected to play an important role in enabling higher penetration of renewable energy, supporting system stability and reducing reliance on fossil fuel backup generation.
The Newarthill project occupies a strategically important position around the B6 and B4 boundaries, where large-scale, transmission connected flexibility assets can deliver substantial system-wide benefits.
Elements Green secured full ownership, as the company continues to expand its presence across strategically important grid locations in the UK and internationally.
Battery storage is critical to balancing the UK’s electricity network as more intermittent renewable generation comes online.
Projects such as Newarthill will help improve frequency response and system stability, unlock additional renewable capacity, reduce network congestion and support decarbonisation of the power system.
Scotland’s renewables-heavy generation mix, combined with persistent transmission constraints, creates significant opportunities for strategically located BESS infrastructure. Constraints across the network can limit exports to demand centres further south, leading to curtailment and redispatch costs.
Large-scale battery projects such as Newarthill can help alleviate these constraints by absorbing excess renewable generation during congested periods and discharging power back to the network when demand increases. This improves overall system resilience while reducing reliance on a thermal peaking plant.
“This acquisition represents another important step in Elements Green’s strategy to build a portfolio of large-scale, transmission connected energy storage assets across key parts of the UK network” said Rasmus Friis, CEO of Elements Green. “Newarthill is a high-quality project located at a strategically important grid node within Scotland, where significant renewable generation coincides with growing system constraints and strong demand for network flexibility. As the UK continues to decarbonise its electricity system, projects of this scale and positioning will become increasingly important. We would like to thank everyone involved in the transaction for their collaboration and hard work throughout the process.”
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