The 500MW BESS is located at Europe’s biggest battery farm
Aggreko, a specialist in global energy solutions, has provided a comprehensive load bank and generator package to support the commissioning of a 500MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Europe's largest battery farm
Located at Coalburn in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, the site is one of several being developed across the UK to balance the electricity grid by storing and discharging excess renewable energy.
In partnership with H&MV Engineering, the main contractor on the project, Agreeko's load bank package enabled the precise simulation of electrical loads, allowing the system to be tested under real-world operating conditions.
Throughout the commissioning phase, a Stage V generator power package operating on HVO biofuel provided an uninterrupted power supply and load management. This approach ensured the BESS site met all performance and safety standards, facilitating a seamless transition to full operational status with reduced risk and downtime.
The solution included a 5MW load bank and a 5MW generator package at 33kV, with a 150kVA LV generator, HV/LV cabling, and ancillary equipment. Aggreko's onsite engineering team installed, commissioned and supported all the systems.
Hugh Prentice, senior project manager at H&MV Engineering, said, “Aggreko’s support was critical to the successful commissioning of the BESS site at Coalburn 1. The solution’s ability to simulate electrical loads and provide an uninterrupted power supply gave us the confidence that the system would perform reliably once live. Aggreko’s tailored approach and willingness to collaborate closely with our team over an 18-month period made them the ideal choice for this project. This helped to deliver an end-product that was both cost-effective and optimised for various unique challenges.”
Aggreko ensured equipment could be repositioned without disrupting timelines, as commissioning activities were spread across multiple battery blocks and the site layout limited space for equipment installation and movement. The company also deployed an on-site engineer to oversee operations, manage equipment performance and respond to any technical issues in real time.
Craig Fleming, utilities sector sales manager at Aggreko, said, “This is a prime example of how Aggreko’s expertise in delivering large-scale, complex HV power solutions can make a real difference. Our focus on safety, reliability, efficiency and environmental responsibility was central to its success. Our role in bringing one of Europe’s most exciting grid-balancing projects to life is something I’m incredibly proud of. Supporting the energy transition is at the heart of what we do, and Coalburn is a major step forward in that journey.”
Developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, the one-gigawatt facility at Coalburn is expected to reach full capacity in 2026 and, once operational, will supply the equivalent of around 184,000 homes annually, offsetting 103,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
