BayWa r.e. UK Ltd. is in the early stage of developing a battery energy storage system (BESS) on lands located approximately 2 km north of Spittal, and 14 km south of Thurso, in the Highlands, Scotland. At this stage, the development has the potential to have a total installed capacity of up to 500 MW, over approximately 19 hectares of land.
About the Project
Caithness Energy Storage is currently at the pre-planning application stage.
It is being designed to deliver a Long-Duration Electricity Storage solution, to support and align with the Government’s objectives of enabling clean, reliable, and resilient energy infrastructure, supporting the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.
The site is adjacent to the A9, to the east of the existing Spittal 275kV transmission substation, and immediately south of the planned 400 kV Banniskirk Hub and HVDC converter station.
Grid-scale battery storage plays a key role in modernising the UK’s electricity system. The Caithness Energy Storage project is well positioned to support this transition, located next to Scottish and Southern Electricity Transmission’s planned 400kV Banniskirk Hub. This makes the site an ideal location for energy storage of this scale as it:
- Requires minimal infrastructure, with an approved grid connection and a short underground cable route;
- Enables more efficient use of renewable energy by balancing supply and demand; and,
- Contributes to Scotland’s net zero targets and the UK’s Clean Power Action Plan (CP2030).
The project will be carefully designed to minimise environmental impacts while providing essential storage capacity. Caithness Energy Storage offers a practical solution to enhance grid reliability and support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon energy system by 2030.
Latest News
Caithness Energy Storage is in the early stages of development. Following initial technical and environmental feasibility studies, we have now submitted an EIA Screening Request to the Scottish Government’s Energy Consents Unit (June 2025). This will support the design and scope of more detailed studies to inform the proposed infrastructure design, in addition to allowing us to formalise our programme. We plan to undertake a full consultation exercise locally, and this will include public exhibitions, project newsletters, and community council meetings. Further information will be published on this page in due course.
Project Location Map
The infrastructure layout of the site is still under design and will be further informed once all environmental studies are complete. A site-specific biodiversity enhancement strategy will also be designed.
What is a BESS?
A Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) plays a key role in balancing electricity supply and demand by storing power and dispatching it to the grid as needed. Often the amount of electricity we generate, and the amount we need, do not match. For example, on a windy day, wind turbines may generate more power than we need but, using BESS, the excess power charges the batteries, and the power can then be fed into to the grid at a time when less power is available or when the network requires the BESS to provide many flexibility services required for a net-zero grid.
Historically, when the energy generated by renewables has not been enough to meet demand, we have had to rely on traditional power sources such as gas to “top up” the energy supply. However, a BESS can significantly help reduce our reliance on non-renewable and non-domestic energy and keep the grid stable by adjusting supply and demand.
Local Business Opportunities
For local businesses with the relevant skills and services, the Caithness Energy Storage project offers exciting opportunities during both construction and operation. If you’re interested in working with us, please email infostorage(at)baywa-re.co.uk to join our Local Suppliers Database*.
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