Scotland and the Netherlands move forward with new battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. 503b31

In Scotland, Apatura – a developer of renewable energy and battery storage – has received planning consent for a 40 MW BESS project.

In the Netherlands, Return continues to drive clean energy innovation with Antares, a new 100 MW / 200 MWh BESS in Waddinxveen. Antares is the second-largest storage project in the Netherlands and is scheduled to be operational by mid-2026.

40 MW BESS project in Scotland 39223i

Apatura, a specialist in renewable energy storage, has received planning consent for its latest grid-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) in the village of Eaglesham, East Renfrewshire, strengthening its growing portfolio of clean energy infrastructure in Scotland.

The company secured planning permission for a 40 MW / 80 MWh BESS located on the east side of Glasgow Road in Eaglesham, approximately 23 miles from Glasgow and 10 miles from East Kilbride.

The eight-acre Glasgow Road site is Apatura’s eighth BESS project to receive planning consent in the past 16 months, bringing its total consented BESS portfolio to 1.5 GW.

The planning officer’s report concluded that the development aligns with the of the development plan and acknowledged its role in ing the transition to net zero and combating climate change. The report stated that the proposal provides essential infrastructure for renewable energy storage and aligns with both local and national policy priorities.

The proposed development will also create direct jobs during the construction, operation, and decommissioning phases, as well as indirect employment across the supply chain and related services. The project is expected to generate around 25 full-time jobs during construction, with additional benefits across the wider supply chain.

Andrew Philpott, Development Director at Apatura, said he welcomes “East Renfrewshire Council’s decision to approve this essential energy storage project. With no objections from the Council, this reflects strong local and national for sustainable infrastructure.”

100 MW BESS project in the Netherlands 2d353b

This 100 MW project by Return will help stabilize the Dutch electricity grid, reduce congestion, and integrate renewable energy, ensuring a more sustainable energy system.

With a capacity of 200 MWh, Antares can store enough energy to power around 50% of the main streets in The Hague, demonstrating its impact on grid flexibility and decarbonization. The total project investment amounts to €85 million, with ING providing the majority of the funding.

To build the facility, Return has contracted Alfen and SPIE Nederland for technical execution and delivery. ING, Meewind, and Nationaal Groenfonds are providing financing. Part of the system’s capacity will be used by Return’s new client, Vattenfall, which will integrate it into its current portfolio.

Designed to provide maximum flexibility, the facility enables grid operators, energy traders, and renewable energy suppliers to optimize power flows—reinforcing Return’s mission to make energy storage a central pillar of Europe’s decarbonization efforts.