Energy Storage Facility at Hunterston PARC

Albannach Power Island 3 is being developed by Highview Power, a UK-based leader in clean, reliable and cost-efficient long duration energy storage and grid stability solutions.

The storage technology proposed at the site uses liquid air energy storage. This works by taking ambient air, removing the CO₂ and particulates and cooling it to its liquid form, which is then stored on-site in insulated, low-pressure vessels. At times of demand, the liquid air is evaporated and expanded through a turbine to generate electricity. For long duration storage, this is achieved at a lower cost than lithium-ion batteries and the technology provides valuable services to help integrate renewables and stabilise the electrical grid. The technology uses only benign materials with zero emissions and has zero water impact.

The project will be able to deliver 49.9MW of electricity for up to 6 hours (300MWh), providing enough power for around 120,000 homes. The CRYObattery will connect to the local electricity grid via the Hunterston East substation to charge and discharge electricity. It is expected that charging will occur at times of high renewables generation and discharge at times of high demand or low wind output.

A public event will take place on Wednesday 30th June from 4:30-7 pm via a live web-based question and answer session with members of the project team. The link for the public meeting to attend the event is: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/550274099589105677

Highview Power welcomes your comments on the proposed facility. To submit comments, please fill in the form here or download it here and send it via email to: rskevents@rsk.co.uk

SUBMIT COMMENTS HERE

Why Hunterston?

The proposed site is near the electricity network at Hunterston East 400kV substation, where it would connect. It will occupy approximately two and a half acres in Hunterston PARC. Hunterston PARC is one of Scotland’s most historic industrial sites, and is set to undergo major development over the next 20 years.

The plant will be situated on the site of a former coal-handling station which has now been remediated. The site was selected because of the co-location benefits with potential energy users on the broader Hunterston PARC as it is developed.

Environmental Impact

To meet Scotland’s NetZero goal by 2045, thermal generation plants will need to be replaced with clean power while also maintaining grid resilience. Long duration energy storage is an essential part of the solution, allowing more renewable energy while smoothing out their intermittency.

By charging from a low carbon intense grid (CO₂ per MWh) during periods of high renewables generation for prolonged periods of time and discharging when demand is high, the Albannach Power Island 3 plant could potentially help displace between 150-300 thousand metric tons of CO₂ emissions per year, depending on the contracted services with the National Grid.

This liquid air energy plant brings cutting-edge technology that meets with the Scottish Government’s firm commitment to NetZero and supports renewable energy developments.

This is a globally pioneering project that will make this rural part of Scotland synonymous with the delivery of much needed long duration energy storage and the provision of valuable services to the National Grid. The Albannach Power Island 3 plant will demonstrably be at the forefront of the clean energy revolution and will be integral in helping Scotland meet its decarbonisation goals.

For the Community

The proposed Albannach Power Island 3 plant will generate high-paying local jobs in design, project management, and construction, both directly with Highview Power and across the broader supply chain. During construction, this plant will bring workforce opportunities to both the local and surrounding areas. Once operational, the plant will create long-term, high-paying local jobs. Construction work alone is expected to create up to 300 jobs (over two years) and 7-10 high-paying permanent jobs overseeing operations and maintenance.

As the plant is developed, it will require the use of local services including shops, services, and overnight accommodations, bringing welcome long-term investment to the area.

 

We want to hear from you!

A public event will take place on Wednesday 30th June from 4:30-7 pm via a live web-based question and answer session with members of the project team. The link for the public meeting to attend the event is: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/550274099589105677

Highview Power welcomes your comments on the proposed facility. To submit comments, please fill in the form here or download it here and send it via email to: rskevents@rsk.co.uk

SUBMIT COMMENTS HERE