Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) has announced that Coalburn 1, a 500 MW, two-hour battery energy storage system (BESS) in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, has commenced commercial operations. According to the company, the project is now the largest operational battery energy storage system in Europe.

Developed through CIP’s flagship fund, Copenhagen Infrastructure IV (CI IV), Coalburn 1 is a lithium-ion BESS located in southern Scotland. The project is designed to strengthen the flexibility and resilience of the UK power system while supporting the continued integration of renewable energy generation.

Coalburn 1 is part of CIP’s growing portfolio of UK energy infrastructure investments and is one of three transmission-connected BESS projects developed by the company in Scotland. Together, Coalburn 1, Coalburn 2 and Devilla will provide 1.5 GW of power capacity and 3 GWh of energy storage.

According to CIP, the three projects will contribute to enhancing security of supply and enabling greater deployment of renewable energy across the UK.

Nischal Agarwal, Partner at CIP, said the commercial operation of Coalburn 1 represents an important milestone for the company and its expanding European BESS portfolio. He highlighted the project's role in increasing the flexibility and resilience of the UK electricity system, supporting the integration of additional renewable power and contributing to lower costs for consumers.

Agarwal also pointed to Coalburn 1, Coalburn 2 and Devilla as examples of CIP’s capabilities in developing, commercialising and delivering energy infrastructure at scale.