Case Study

EEL Power’s Second Scottish Battery Storage Success

How optimised design and site expertise delivered 50MW of reliable energy storage in challenging conditions

April 2024. Eelpower's second 50MW battery storage project at Fordtown required a new approach. Located in a Kintore farmer's field, this project needed to demonstrate that their initial Dundee success could be replicated consistently across different Scottish sites.

The challenge was clear: After experiencing contractor difficulties on their first project, Eelpower needed reliable delivery of their second major battery storage investment. The project would validate their strategy for scaling battery storage across Scotland.

The opportunity was significant: Success would prove that Scotland's battery storage market was moving from experimental to established, with reliable contractors capable of consistent delivery.

Building on Proven Success

Following our successful delivery of Scotland's first battery storage system at Dundee, Eelpower approached us for their second project based on demonstrated performance and reliability.

Why Eelpower chose continuity:

  • Proven track record – Dundee project achieving 100% uptime since completion
  • Technical expertise – Established capability with 50MW battery storage systems
  • Relationship trust – Transparent communication and reliable delivery
  • Local knowledge – Understanding of Scottish site conditions and regulatory requirements
  • Available capacity – Ability to take on the project while maintaining Dundee operations

Our value proposition: Apply lessons learned from Dundee to deliver an even more efficient and reliable installation.

The Technical Approach: Building on our Dundee experience, we developed an optimised approach for the Fordtown site:

bess fordtown

Operational Improvements:

  • Streamlined installation – Improved cable routing and container positioning
  • Enhanced planning – Better coordination of civil works and electrical installation
  • Optimised logistics – More efficient delivery and installation sequences
  • Offsite replacement of 14 x 4MVA Power Transformer HV Bushings – This involved Craneage of each 10 Tonne Transformer onto Hiab Transport to Ener-G for quick turnaround of HV bushings which involved lifting the 6 Tonne Transformer Core to access bushing internal connections and replace with suitably rated bushes. This whole exercise was complete in 48 hours with round the clock teams.

  • Rural location logistics – Managing access and transportation in agricultural setting
  • Specialist equipment transport – Coordinating delivery of 30-tonne lithium battery containers requiring special permits
  • Ground conditions – Addressing water table issues affecting foundation design

When site investigation revealed water table challenges affecting our planned cable routes, we developed a comprehensive drainage solution:

  • Problem identified: Underground water flow through planned electrical infrastructure areas
  • Solution implemented: Perimeter drainage system redirecting water away from critical equipment
  • Result achieved: Dry, stable foundations protecting all electrical systems

 

Delivery Results:

  • 50MW capacity successfully connected to the grid
  • 12-month timeline maintained despite site challenges
  • Improved efficiency – More compact design optimising land use
  • Technical reliability – All systems operational and performing to specification
  • Safety excellence – Zero incidents throughout the construction phase

Design Validation:

  • Compact footprint - 30% reduction in land requirement vs. previous generation
  • Enhanced accessibility - Improved layout for ongoing maintenance operations
  • Future-ready infrastructure - Design template applicable to similar rural sites
  • Cost efficiency - Optimised installation reducing time and complexity

 

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Client Testimonial:

Delighted with delivery of both assets. The consistency of performance gives us confidence in our Scottish strategy.

Mark Simon
CEO, Eelpower

Market Validation Through Consistent Excellence

This project demonstrated that Scotland's battery storage sector has moved beyond experimental phase to reliable, repeatable delivery.

What We Validated:

  • Consistency capability – Successful delivery across different Scottish sites
  • Technical adaptability – Ability to optimise designs for site-specific conditions
  • Scalable methodology – Proven approach applicable to future projects
  • Operational reliability – Systems performing consistently post-completion

Industry Impact:

  • Contractor confidence – Demonstrated reliable delivery capability in Scottish market
  • Design standards – Compact, efficient layouts becoming industry template
  • Site methodology – Rural installation techniques proven and documented
  • Market maturity – Moving from experimental to established delivery capability

Strategic Benefits for Eelpower:

  • Portfolio consistency – Two successful assets with reliable performance
  • Operational efficiency – Improved design reducing ongoing maintenance requirements
  • Market position – Proven capability supporting future expansion plans
  • Investment validation – Demonstrated returns supporting continued development

Ongoing Partnership and Performance

Current Status: Both Dundee and Fordtown projects continue to operate successfully, with ongoing maintenance and optimisation support provided by our team.

Follow-on Services:

  • Preventive maintenance - Regular inspection and servicing schedules
  • Performance monitoring - Ongoing system optimisation and reporting
  • Technical support - Rapid response capability for any operational issues
  • Expansion planning - Technical input for future project developments

Performance Metrics:

  • Operational availability - Both sites maintaining excellent uptime performance
  • Technical reliability - Consistent grid connection and energy delivery
  • Maintenance efficiency - Optimised service schedules reducing operational costs
  • Knowledge transfer - Lessons learned applied to subsequent projects

Proven Capability for Future Projects

Our successful delivery of two 50MW battery storage systems has established a proven methodology for reliable, efficient deployment across Scotland's diverse site conditions.

What This Means for Energy Developers:

  • Reliable delivery partner - Demonstrated consistency across multiple projects
  • Site adaptability - Proven capability to handle diverse Scottish conditions
  • Design optimisation - Continuous improvement, reducing costs and complexity
  • Local expertise - Scottish-based team with an established track record
  • Ongoing support - Comprehensive maintenance and operational services

The Value of Proven Consistency: When planning your next battery storage project, you need a partner who has demonstrated reliable delivery across multiple sites, not just one successful project.

 

  • Scale: 50MW Battery Energy Storage System
  • Significance: Scotland's first grid-scale battery storage facility
  • Timeline: 8 months total delivery (including contractor transition)
  • Technical scope: 33,000+ metres of cable installation and system integration
  • Performance: Nearly 100% uptime since February 2023 completion
  • Standards: Full British Standards compliance and DNO requirements
  • Location: Dundee, Scotland (urban grid connection)
  • Client: Eelpower (Private Equity Backed)
  • Market impact: Established Scotland's battery storage sector

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