Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has reinforced its position as the UK’s largest battery storage investor, announcing the start of construction on two major Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in Scotland. These projects—Coalburn 2 in South Lanarkshire and Devilla in Fife—are set to become the largest battery storage installations in Europe, each boasting a capacity of 500MW.

Expanding the UK’s energy transition infrastructure

Through its flagship fund CI IV, CIP has made a Financial Investment Decision (FID) and issued a Notice to Proceed (NTP) for the development of these landmark projects. Once operational, the Coalburn 2 and Devilla systems will expand CIP’s UK portfolio to three large-scale projects, collectively offering a total capacity of 1.5GW and the ability to store 3GWh of electricity—enough to meet the energy needs of over 4.5 million households for two hours.

The combined investment for Coalburn 2 and Devilla is approximately £800 million, further strengthening the UK’s position as a hub for clean energy development. These projects play a critical role in supporting the country’s goals for a net-zero carbon economy by 2050 and a clean power system by 2030.

Strategic locations in Scotland

• Coalburn 2: Located adjacent to the existing Coalburn 1 BESS in South Lanarkshire, this site continues CIP’s expansion in the region.
• Devilla: Situated near Kincardine in Fife, this project highlights CIP’s commitment to geographically diverse energy investments.

High-level support for Scotland’s energy future

The launch of construction at Coalburn 2 was marked by a site visit from Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin, who emphasized the significance of these projects for Scotland’s energy transition.

• John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, remarked:
  “The construction of the two largest battery systems in Europe is a significant milestone in Scotland’s energy transition infrastructure. These projects will enhance energy security, provide reliable power, and directly support the surrounding communities as we move toward net zero.”

• Nischal Agarwal, Partner at CIP, stated:
  “CIP’s investments in Coalburn and Devilla represent a critical step in enabling low-cost renewables, enhancing grid flexibility, and supporting the UK’s clean energy ambitions. We are fully committed to driving a vibrant renewable energy sector in Scotland.”

Collaborative Efforts to Achieve Net Zero

CIP’s BESS projects are supported by a strategic partnership with Alcemi, a UK-based large-scale BESS developer, and leading energy storage provider e-STORAGE, a subsidiary of Canadian Solar. Additional partners include engineering firms H&MV Engineering, OCU Group, and Wood Group, who are providing critical services for the construction and operation of the projects.

These developments build on the success of Coalburn 1, which reached its financial close in 2022. The Coalburn 2 and Devilla projects signal CIP’s commitment to scaling up renewable energy infrastructure in the UK, setting the stage for further innovations in battery storage and clean energy deployment.

Baroness Gustafsson, UK Minister for Investment, added:
“This £800 million investment is a powerful testament to the UK’s appeal as a destination for clean energy development. By fostering innovative projects like these, we are making progress toward becoming a global clean energy superpower.”

The Coalburn and Devilla projects mark a transformative moment for both Scotland and the UK, showcasing how large-scale energy storage can provide reliable, renewable electricity and bolster energy security. By enabling the faster deployment of renewables and offering critical flexibility to the grid, these systems will play a pivotal role in the nation’s path to a sustainable energy future.

Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) will invest £800 million in Scotland to build the two largest battery storage systems in Europe.

First Minister @JohnSwinney and Net Zero Secretary @GillianMSP celebrated the news on a tour of CIP's existing project in South Lanarkshire. pic.twitter.com/BMDLswJoD2

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) January 8, 2025